Understanding Divine Order: A Look at Submission and the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey as rogue disciples, we know that the path to discipleship is rarely a straight, paved road. Sometimes, the questions we encounter—whether in a missionary discussion, a Book Club setting, or even just scrolling through the scriptures—are deeply personal and touch upon cultural norms versus divine law. It’s the kind of question that can make you pause, scratch your head, and wonder, “Wait, what does the Lord *really* want here?”

Recently, I came across a video addressing the topic of head coverings for Christian women, drawing heavily from 1 Corinthians 11. It’s a passage that has sparked debate for centuries, and frankly, it’s a perfect example of how we, as Latter-day Saints, must learn to discern the *principle* from the *cultural overlay*.

If you’re wrestling with these kinds of doctrinal deep dives, remember that we are always being taught to look at the heart. The core message of the restored gospel, the message that drives us to be internet missionaries everywhere, is one of obedience to the Spirit and reverence for God’s established order. That’s the thread that runs through everything, from the Temple covenants to our daily callings.

Discerning the Principle: Heart Over Headwear

When we study scripture—whether through our local Bible Study Group or diving into the social scripture study feed in LivingBook—we are always taught to take passages in context. The original context for this discussion was deeply rooted in the culture of Corinth. The Apostle Paul was addressing specific cultural practices related to submission and authority within that community. He was teaching about the *symbol* of submission to God’s established order, not mandating a fashion choice for every era.

What’s so helpful to remember when we’re prepping for the field or studying for our own temple covenants? That the true measure of discipleship isn't in the outward adherence to every visible symbol, but in the inward disposition of our hearts. The real issue Paul was addressing was the attitude of submission to God’s authority, which is something we, as Latter-day Saints, are continually called to cultivate.

This reminds me of something I learned back in the MTC. Our leaders didn't just teach us *what* to say; they taught us *how* to feel the Spirit when we spoke. That feeling—that deep, abiding conviction that we are following the Lord’s will—that’s the covering that matters most. It’s the spiritual covering that sets us apart.

Let’s Run This By Davee

These kinds of nuanced questions are exactly what Davee excels at! If you ever feel stuck on a doctrinal point, or if you’re anticipating a tough question from an investigator, don't hesitate to bring it to him. He’s trained to walk you through the hard questions, helping you articulate the *principle* behind the passage with grace and clarity. It’s invaluable for missionary preparation.

Ultimately, whether we are discussing head coverings, the role of the companions, or how to best teach the Book of Mormon, the overarching theme remains: We are called to be disciples who live in constant, heartfelt submission to the Lord. We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time.

Your Next Step in the Work

If this discussion has stirred up questions for you, I highly recommend looking into the resources available through HolyPlaces. Joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group is one of the best ways to wrestle with these big questions with other faithful disciples. It’s where the Spirit really moves!

For those of you who want to keep sharpening your testimonies and preparing for the work, I encourage you to check out the latest Disciple Challenge details. It’s a great, low-pressure way to build up your personal scripture study skills. Let’s keep moving forward together!