Tattoo
For several years I have been talking about getting a tattoo. It started during my punk rock days in high school, but I never got one. I guess I always heard people with tattoos are unemployed or garbage men, not that there is anything wrong with that. Now that I am grown, I know better.
A few weeks ago, Scott asked me if I would get a tattoo with him this past Wednesday. Yesterday was the 13th anniversary of his second bone marrow transplant. So 13 years ago yesterday, his cancer went into remission. He wanted to celebrate it. Naturally, I said yes. What is a pastor to do when someone in their church asks them to get a tattoo with them? Ministry baby! Anyway.
Scott’s took about 15 minutes. It felt that short, but it was longer than that. He put the date on which is awesome. It is the kanji for life. You can read his thoughts here.
Mine took a little longer. 2 hours to be precise. I got the trinity symbol inside of a design that the tattoo artist did for me. I must say, it hurt more than I thought it would. I don’t have a very high pain tolerance. Here they are, mine is on top if you haven’t put that together.
My arm is bigger than yours is! Least in the pic. You rock man. Thanks for going with me!
I will not even acknowledge “my arm is bigger than yours” with a comment. Oh wait.
Those tats are both sweet!
Everyone thinks I’m crazy because, at 32, I actually want a tat more than ever.
Still haven’t broken that seal though….
hi. Leviticus 19:28 would have been good to consider before the tatoo. Christians aren’t under the Mosaic law, but the principles of the law are still beneficial and give us insight into God’s thinking on matters. Also, Philipians 1:10. Our conduct can stumble others. Do you really want to be identified with the rebellious element of society that gets tatoos? As John 17: 16 says, Christians are to be no part of the world. Don’t you think should be keeping our distance from worldly attitudes and practices, and not adopting their styles and fads?
jeff,
i did consider leviticus 19:28, especially since leviticus 19:26 says you shall not eat flehs with the blood in it, but we still have medium steaks and burgers. 19:28 also tells us not to round off the hair on our temples or the edges of our beard, but i have sideburns.
as far as not taking on the attitudes of the world, i don’t think having a tattoo really does this. in fact, in church history, the early church would tattoo on their wrist the dates of when they started following the way. also, we are doing this over the internet, i don’t think a Christian invented that. or TV for that matter, do you watch that or go to a movie?
here is a question about styles and fads, do you attend a church where they play secular music? is that going too far, taking on the attitudes of the world or is it using the culture to reach the culture? here is my point, as you pointed out, we are not under the mosaic law. in my mind, that ends the discussion.
I have just one thing to add. I have observed that by no means are the “rebellious element of society” the only ones getting tattoos. Yes, it started out that way, but tattoos are not restricted to just one element of society any more. House wives, business men, bikers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, are all elements that get tattoos.
Hey Scott,
You forgot to mention enginers …
I was putting myself in the business man category. Cause engineers are a little strange by definition.
Okay, to also comment on the comment on tattoos.
Isn’t there freedom in Christ? Christ came to set us free. Doesn’t Paul state somewhere that we could even eat meat that was dedicated to idols because as Christians we knew that it meant nothing because the idols weren’t God. (I know I am paraphrasing a bit and I could look up the verse precisely, but just felt like commenting.)
If a tattoo is not a worldly, and even pagan element I don’t know what is? Lev. 19: 28 in the right context is also moral, as is the next verse. And we are still under the moral law of God!
I was a Royal Marine, and tattoos were the norm (even 20 years ago). By the grace of God..I do not have a tattoo. Does this make me better? No, but perhaps just obedient. Does not Christian obedience matter? Does God care what I put in and on my body? It does appear so!
I think God cares more about your heart than your skin.
Those of you who stand on Leviticus 19:28 as your argument against tattoos – do you keep the Sabbath, not shave your facial hair, stand up when those older than you walk in a room?
Some of those laws were based upon the culture and context of the time. You should look into and study them further.
It looks awesome Josh! I’m looking to get one very soon as well.
The point is that God has redeemed the whole person: body, soul and spirit. And Lev.19:28 is not a law to the Christian, but perhaps a guide. The incarnation is also centered to the redemptive act In Christ, i.e. the creation. And certainly culture is in the mix, but the Christian is called to be in the world, but not of it also.
Wow its a nice tattoo. you have said about tattoo is entirely right. today generation is found of tattoos.
Thanks for your time to right this post.
if God has ‘tattoo-ed’ my name on the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49), then I’m cool with that. it’s why my wife and I got tattoos for each other when we got engaged. is it any more/less worldly than exchanging rings?
my take is that anyone with extreme compulsion either for or against them is out of whack. do what you do with a clear conscience and extend grace to everyone else.