February 25, 2024.
The Practical Christian.
Tattoos
Acquiring tattoos often escape many that view them from ignorance, disdain, or beauty. Its history and application are worldwide and have been used as markings for various reasons from cultural, tribal, superstition, and spiritual applications. They also have connotations of the right of passage, significance, and loss of standing. But where did the advent of tattoos come from and as Christians are we allowed to adorn our bodies so that they speak of, and reflect our Faith?
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We don’t seek God’s approval by the flesh but by His Spirit. If one has tattoos and then becomes a Christian; that person becomes Sanctified by the Blood of Jesus; and whether they remove the tattoos does not add value to their standing but more serves as a personal decision to wipe away remnants of a past life. Conversely, a Christian who chooses to get a tattoo, even as a bible verse; doesn’t add value; but puts them in disobedience to God, and potentially will be unsanctified from the Blood of Jesus. Just think of it! Are there any Sanctified tattoo artist establishments? And if one goes to a secular artist for a so-called Christian tattoo; isn’t that the same as going to your disreputable bar for wine? Sanctification is by God. So why would God Sanctify something He forbids?
When one becomes a Christian; one is no longer dead but is alive through Christ, and we are encouraged to present our body in sacrifice for God's will, and purpose. One’s flesh no longer belongs to you, just as your mind and spirit. Free will is surrendered as Paul proclaimed to be a slave to Christ. Another reason for not having tattoos; and probably even more under scrutiny by the Spirit of God. Is that as a Christian; one’s foremost Earthly responsibility is to the Body of Christ; where Jesus spent more time with His flock than with sinners; to set Righteous examples for others to imitate to have the mind of Christ.
Tattoos usually are propagated by carnal minds seeking notoriety, and often; a higher spiritual ascension plateau. They are typically applied by fine needles, or skewers, but are also done by heat branding where a metal-formed instrument burns the design into the skin usually with ink or pigment; but can also be done with natural or man-made organisms that produce scarification patterns. Tattoos at their core are outward mirrors of the inner thoughts, beliefs, and fears; and can vary in all manner of designs from realism, size, color, abstraction, and wording. They are essentially a brand we want others to recognize, admire, and envy as well as a personal statement of self-worth and rebellion, against society's norms. But in reality; they are a seal of imprisonment, enslavement, and identity crisis. Having them on one’s head, body, and limbs is a portal for spiritual influence not just for oneself but for others. Tattoos can, and are often; the devil’s canvas for his mandate to kill, steal, and destroy as the finality with the mark of the beast.
Now; some in the Body may argue that having a tattoo reflects their Faith and is justified because God sees their heart and is made Righteous by His will. Yet; Jesus , who is the epitome of Righteousness as a man, did not see having outward expressions necessary for Faith, Love for God, and a requirement for Sanctification; nor having any meaningful Spiritual impact. In fact; the Word is clear not to cut the body’s skin; or impose markings on it; and also to treat your body as the Temple of God; to keep it unsoiled. Jesus promoted the inner spirit over the outer man with charges of abiding in Him; and revealing the Spirit of His Father in our interactions with others; especially to the sinner, and the world. This is also in Paul’s letters; to pursue and focus on the Spirit for Life and not the flesh, resulting in spiritual death.
Tattoos speak to others about those who carry them just as a mark does on a person, place, or object. Tribes have tattoos for unification; just as slaves were given branding tattoos for division. They represent ownership not by the individual, place, or object but by the symbolism of the tattoo. Some say; what harm is there with a tattoo proclaiming the name of a loved, dead, or admired one? Like all tattoos; the symbolism and spiritualism behind them are dedication, acknowledgment, and reverence. In other words; the tattoo owner is beholden to whatever adorns their skin. Which is a defacement of God’s works. No different than bringing into a church a painting of a secular singer to be hung on the wall. Other’s point to the Bible; referencing Jesus had on His thigh, written; “The Lord of Lords”. That’s a metaphor and symbolism! Jesus did not have any markings or tattoos. And any due to His crucifixion became Sanctified by God after His Resurrection. The leg thigh Spiritually represents burden, strength, and authority. So the title is about His mandate from God.
Tattoos are not just surface but go skin deep, and over time become puddles embedded in layers of flesh. They become a part of you. This does not honor God just like taking drugs that are absorbed and affect the body, mind, and spirit. Because; we are wonderfully made; and defacing or placing graffiti on the skin; instead of protecting, nurturing, and enhancing what is given; is to detract, and corrupt God’s artistry. It signifies one’s disappointment in God’s canvas. Now; there are beautification tattoos used to hide skin imperfections such as burns, scars, and unsightly birthmarks; but are usually a color palette to match one’s existing skin color. These are meant to address an individual’s identity of self-worth, and build confidence; which is not the same as permanent eye mascara or face makeup. The use of tattoos for traditional, cultural, and faddish trends is not to be encouraged as in reality they reflect a Christian who is lukewarm between this world and God’s. God sees the heart but the world sees the flesh which only serves to erode one’s foundation of Faith, representation, and Life in Christ, including the church’s responsibility to separate from all manners and levels of disobedience, disdain, and darkness of this world. And this is satan’s ultimate goal; to marr God’s pristine creation in every man, woman, and child.
Let. 19:28, Deut. 14:1, 1 Cor. 6:19, Eph. 5:10, Rev. 19:16.
Many misunderstand, and misuse God’s declaration of inscribing, engraving, or cutting Israel (us) into the palms of His Hands as justification for tattoos. Where the revelation is not placing a design, picture, or tattoo to see to be reminded; but is to permanently, and Spiritually establish His promises, support, and Covenant; just as He will put, seed, build His Law in the inward parts and on the hearts of His people. Also the open hand palms represent, to uphold, care for, and lead. Tattoo markings represent an outward identification; but God marks His own with the Holy Spirit’s testimony.
All Christians whether behind the pulpit or in the congregation are required to be Righteous not for their sake but for God’s; because it is He who has Sanctified us; and not our works. God does not have personal tattoos; but in Heaven, there are symbols of His Power, Divinity, and Declarations. Tattoos operate in the same way but for dark purposes!