I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but the tattoo craze is one that is sweeping the globe. It’s not just popular among millennials, but we are major participants.
What is the big deal with tattoos? I was discussing with my mom this issue, and she couldn’t understand taking “what is usually beautiful skin and mark it permanently.”
I know some who would say they are only making their skin more beautiful by adding tattoos. Others, like my parents, would disagree.
I don’t have all the answers, so I will attempt to answer this burning question without going one way or the other, in favor or opposing tattoos.
Leviticus 19:28 says “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.“
The Lord says this because these were practices of the Canaanites at the time, and holiness requires Israel (and Christians) not to act like pagans in any areas of life.
As a Christian, I agree we are to act differently than pagans or non-believers would act. However, there are also parts of the Bible that say to not pierce your ears or braid your hair, both things I have done.
At many times throughout the history of mankind, tattoos, piercings or other markings were used to identify one person as property or a slave of another person. I fully believe during these times the Lord was in anguish over the pain and suffering and sin mankind was committing against itself.
For those reasons, I agree with my mom’s notion. Why would anyone ever willingly offer up their body to be permanently changed? Others say they prefer to not subject themselves to unnecessary pain.
I hear all those viewpoints and think they are valid. BUT (you had to know it was coming) in my millennial mind, tattoos aren’t as bad as they used to be.
According to someone older than myself, tattoos used to be something you see on a hardened criminal or just a rough-looking person.
To that perspective, I say take a look around you on a Sunday morning at church. You will see many tattoos, and a lot of them might be of a Scripture or something positive. Tattoos aren’t all skulls and crossbones anymore.
I have a close friend with a large cross on his forearm, and he claims that his tattoo has sparked many conversations about the Lord that never would have begun without his tattoo as a bit of an icebreaker.
I know many other people who have tattoos, and that is the case for them. I also know those who regret a tattoo that was gotten on a whim and wish more than anything they could remove it from their body and memory all together.
My thoughts on tattoos, as a Millennial, are a bit grey rather than black and white. Spoken like a true Millennial right?
I think if a tattoo will hinder your walk as a Christian and influence on others then the obvious answer or whether to get one or not is a big “No” from me.
I also think that, as a Christian, you should pray about this choice before you make it. It’s a big one! If after prayer and thoughtfully considering any and all consequences of getting a tattoo you still want one, then go for it.
Just remember, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of a God – even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:31-33).