Apostle Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, made us realize that as believers, we have the right and free will to carry out certain acts, but not all that we do as humans are beneficial and edifying (1 Corinthians 6:12-20). So, the primary objectives of all our actions here while still alive should be about how we shall please the Lord and reign with Him in His kingdom (Micah 6:8).The matter of a Christian putting on a tattoo has been a long-standing question hanging on the body of Christ. It has infused so many controversies along the way. So many opinionated believers have come up with notions that support their claims. There has yet to be a standard ground settlement on this issue.
But, regardless of the sentiments and opinions of any man, the Bible remains the standard for every child of God regarding any issue. The Word of God given by the inspiration of God is comprehensive enough to provide clear pictures and erase conflict of wills. The Scriptures have all the answers we are looking for.
Needed to say that every man and woman who had addressed the uncertainty of inking from the Christian perspective had done so referencing the Scriptures. It just sits right to answer religious questions using the holy book. That is simply what had been done countless times in the past.
So, to give a close-shave response to this big question, we will be perusing the pages of the scripture too. But firstly, we need to have an insight into what a tattoo is and how Christians should react toward it.
There are good guys, and there are bad guys. Like there is white, and there is black. Society has been in the business of attaching stereotyped impressions to a lot of things. Most notably, elements that concern appearance.
A tattoo is an artificial mark on the body by thrusting the skin with ink. Some inks are permanent, while others are not. People ink their bodies for various reasons. There is no unique reason for it. But the most prevalent would be inking for fashion. Someones tell stories with it, while some ink to preserve and retain memories.
But despite these reasons, one thing is constant these days – it has become popular and trendy. It is on our streets, neighborhoods, churches, and offices. Tattoos are slowly becoming household. But we are more interested in knowing what the Bible says concerning it. Whatever the Bible says is what God is saying. Knowing the Word of God is accessing the mind of God.
By studying what God thinks of tattoos, we say we want to be wiser, please God, and do the right thing.
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh or the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD (Leviticus 19:28).
The above Bible text is one of God's instructions to Israel to separate themselves from illicit practices around them. Tattoos were associated with idols and false religions. GOD was calling out His people to be separate and look different from the beliefs around them. GOD considered some practices pagan indulgences, and He wants His children to be none of it.
What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:19 – 20).
The Bible states clearly that our bodies are not our own. We belong to God, and because we do, we should glorify God with it. Our bodies serve as a temple to the Holy Spirit – a spirit known for purity and cleanliness.
We cannot say that the inscription of tattoos does exalt the temple of God, which is our body, but rather degrade it based on the conceived perception so many had about the people putting on the tattoos.
How we treat our bodies matters a great deal to God. How we please God with our bodies is directed and determined by His Word alone. The Word of God formulates our conviction of what is right and wrong.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you can test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:1 – 2).
My dear friend, please, remember that our bodies are meant to be kept holy as a means of worship to God. By renewing our minds through meditation on the Word of God and with continual fellowship with the Father, we can always put to the test and judge what is right and what is the valid will of God for our life.
We have been admonished not to conform to the pattern of this world butto be transformed by the renewing of our mindsthrough meditation on the Word of God. We should ensure to keep our bodies away from pollution and any compromise that could make us miss eternity with our maker. It implies that as believers, we should always endeavor to do the right thing and ensure we please the Lord (Philippians 4:8).
Remain Blessed!
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