Holy Crap, run for your life! He's got a Tattoo!
Sound familiar? I know, I know Lev. 19:28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord. First, in no way am I out to disprove the Bible, that's impossible. Instead i'm interpreting my viewpoint on how this affects us (or doesn't I should say) and where we mistake it's meaning. This was written for God's sacred people (The Israelites) when they we're moving into their new land that was infested with pagans, heathens, and cults. The caution to not "tattoo" their body was to keep them set apart from the other nations by not looking like them, such as custom to many other surrounding cults and priests. On that alone one might say we are in an entirely different social-graphic setting. This was for an even bigger picture of sanctification though, this rule was established ultimately that they might fulfill it to please God. I've got some news guys, Christ is the new law, He came, He died, He fulfilled what we couldn't perfectly.
So what still stands as our requirements/limitations as modern-day christians? Not the old laws of moses or Israel, otherwise that polyester and cotton shirt you're wearing would be unholy, oh and also cheeseburgers, and side-burns. Yep. What's left is simple, love the Lord, your god, with all your heart, mind, strength, and soul. Which begs the ultimatum of my unstated predicament, is it loving and honoring to Christ when we mark our bodies? That's a sadly mistaken relative question. It's like saying does it honor God to drink alcohol? Jesus did in moderation so obviously there's some allowance, having said that there's a point of stupidity with your own body which is ultimately against God. See what i'm getting at? It's between your conscious and God. If it's defiling to his artwork, us, then it's wrong. If it's not, give it some serious thought before you do it. How do we decide if it's defiling ourselves? I would say simply ask your pastor/mentors advice but sadly we're all pre-decided on our viewpoints. There's the obvious stuff, no demons drowning babies in pools of ceremonial blood and body excrements. But what about a tree on your shoulder? A thorny wrist wrap? Ask yourself these questions and if you're still undecided ask a good friend. Always go on the cautious side and always remember this verse when considering getting one. 1 Cor. 10:31 Wether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Am I legally of age?
If I live with my parents, would my parents support this decision?
Would I be defying the authority God gave my parents over me at my current age?
Would I still want this particular image when I get older?
Is it going to be in a clearly visible area?-that can affect your ability/inability to witnessWould this image bring glory to God?
Do I feel fully convinced that tattoos are allowable for Christians?
I don't know if you were looking for people to comment back there opinions but if you don't mind my opinion... then here it is... to tell you the truth I don't see anything wrong with getting a tattoo even if you are Christian. I have been going to the same Christian church sense I have been born. So that would be about 15 almost 16 years. The church then moved and I moved with it. I don't live in the area but out of all the churches I have been to even the closer ones I still go to the same church. Its kind of like family. My grandmother went to that church, my mother went to that church and now I go to that church with my mom, dad, and brother. I have meet so many people in that church and love them all so much, friends, family, even strangers that I didn't know, but they knew me. Yes your of age. You have to be eighteen years of age or you need parent permission if your not. I am not of age but this is what I know and think. If you live with your parents and you are wondering if they will support your decision then either ask them what they think of it or just go with what you think and if they don't support you then give them your reasoning for getting a tattoo. I don't know if you will want that particular image when you are older, only you can answer that question! I don't know about you but if I were to get a tattoo I would not want to get it were it's that visible because you could apply for a job and if they see you have a tattoo they might think you are unprofessional. A tattoo may and may not bring glory to God. It all depends. And again only you can answer that last question. I feel that if you want a tattoo and you have a reason for getting that tattoo then get that tattoo, but don't be one of those people that just get random tattoos and they get them so they cover themselves head to toe with them. That is my personal opinion. Hope this helped some. Oh and by the way if you are wondering how I know you are of age or anything like that, I know you and you know me, and we go to the same church and youth group but I am NOT one to voice my opinion much. I think what I think and keep to myself. Especially if it's a large crowd. If it's a small crowd or group of people I am more opened to talk especially if it's about God or the Bible. I love to be around people especially if they are Christians like myself who love God! And I forgot why I started to tell you this so I think I will stop there! Bye!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you first off, I value what you have to say. I indeed agree with you, perhaps you think I was saying Christians should not get tattoos? Certainly not, my stance is similar if not identical to yours. Again, Thank you.