THE CHRISTIAN AND TATTOOS

Sir,

Some Christians consider getting tattoos of scriptures, of Jesus, a cross, or other religious body markings. Is this appropriate behaviour? What does the Bible say about tattoos?

The Bible does indeed specifically mention bodily markings of what we call ‘tattoos’ today. Leviticus 19:28 states: “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” In this verse, God commands us to refrain from cutting bodies or placing tattoos on them. Then He reminds us of His authority at the end by proclaiming, “I am the Lord.” In other words, God says don’t do this. Why? Because He’s God, so you better listen!

The context of this passage is that the Israelites were in the wilderness. Moses had just brought them out of Egypt, and he was giving them commands from the Lord. God issued this command (and many like it) to help keep the Israelites distinct from their surrounding pagan neighbours.

Tattooing

Keep in mind that these weren’t your typical odd neighbours. God prohibited the Israelites from dressing, tattooing, or appearing like their pagan neighbours in any way. God wants His people to be separate, that was true then, and it is true now. He wants us holy and distinct from the world around us.

God’s word says Christians should not emulate this world, but that we should be separate; “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Corinthians 6: 17. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him,” 1 John 2: 15. A tattoo, as most of you probably know, is ink inlaid into a layer of the skin, which will permanently remain until death. It will never be washed away, although the color or pattern may fade or deteriorate over time.

Removal

This is a big deal because once it has been done, there is no going back. There are some ‘tattoo removal lasers’ but they don’t always work well, tend to be very expensive, and may not be practical for all people.

Are tattoos something ‘worldly’? Are tattoos something you associate with holy people, or other types of people? Could a person look at you and consider you different from the world based on your physical attributes alone? Do you think the average tattoo artist is on fire for Jesus Christ? Do most people covered in tattoos from head to toe honor Christ? What message will tattoos send to others in the body of Christ?

The truth of the matter is that most of the people in the world today never see a tattoo-laden person as a Godly person. We can’t always judge by outward appearances, but as Christians, we ought to consider our appearance very seriously because we represent Christ in all that we do. God’s word says we should be a source of light and holiness to others.

Shine

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,” Matthew 5: 14-16. 

We do not own our bodies, Christ does. Your body is to be a living sacrifice to God. Your body is a temple in which God’s spirit dwells. Your body belongs to Christ because He purchased it with His blood (1 Corinthians 6: 19-20). I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

Bopoto Gwinyai

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