Is Long Hair on Men Biblical?
The Question That Challenges Every Christian Man
Every Christian man faces this question at some point: Does God care about my hair length? The answer might surprise you.
Many dismiss this as trivial, claiming the God who created the universe doesn't care about something as small as hair. But here's the sobering truth: if you're a Christian and your first thought is "what do I like" rather than "what does God like," you need to rephrase your questioning.
What Does Scripture Actually Say?
The Bible gives us a clear answer in 1 Corinthians 11:14-15:
"Doth not even nature itself teach you, that if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering."
This isn't about salvation - we know that's most important. But this is written to Christians, and we shouldn't disregard verses just because they make us uncomfortable.
God's Natural Order Still Matters
Paul asks: doesn't nature itself teach us? There's a distinctiveness that God created between men and women. Long hair has always been a symbol of femininity and God's established order.
Even unregenerate people recognize this natural principle. Romans 2:14 tells us that Gentiles "which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law" - there's a natural order that even unbelievers instinctively understand.
The Real Issue: Your Heart Toward God
Here's what really matters: Are you asking "What do I like?" or "What does God like?"
When we approach God's Word, let's not argue with God. Let's ask our questions from the position of "Lord, what do You say? What do You like? What do You want?"
How Long is "Long"?
God doesn't give us inches or measurements. He simply says "long" versus "short."
Here's a practical principle: How about long enough so that everybody looking at you would know you're a male? If you have doubts about your hair length, then it's probably too long.
The Glory That Really Matters
While we should pay attention to biblical principles about appearance, remember what the lost world truly needs. According to 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, unbelievers are blinded and need "the light of the glorious gospel of Christ."
We have:
- A glorious gospel that saves
- A glorious church we're part of
- The glorious power of God to live righteously
These matter infinitely more than hair length, but that doesn't mean we ignore what Scripture teaches about God's design.
A Personal Truth About God's Love
Here's something beautiful: Luke 12:7 says, "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
God loves you so much that He has every hair on your head counted. You couldn't number them yourself, but God can and does. That's someone worth serving - someone who loves you that much is someone you want to honor with every aspect of your life.
The Bottom Line
Christian men who want to live "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" should follow biblical teaching on hair length and keep their hair short.
This isn't about legalism - it's about asking the right question: Am I living to glorify myself or to glorify God?
🎧 📖 Ready for the Full Biblical Teaching? This condensed post only touches the surface of this powerful expository preaching on God's natural order and design. For complete verse-by-verse Bible teaching that will challenge and encourage your heart - including historical context, deeper theological insights, and practical applications for Christian living - I highly encourage you to listen to the entire sermon. You'll discover so much more about living faithfully according to God's Word!