Tattoos have become trendy in recent years. It seems like everyone is getting one or already has one. In the past, tattoos were taboo, but now they serve as a form of self-expression. The Bible doesn’t mention that Christians aren’t allowed to get tattoos. The only mention of them is in Leviticus 19:28. However, this verse was only applicable for priests of Israel to not be identified with an agnostic religion.
At the same time, there are a lot of people that get tattoos without thinking it through. That’s why the tattoo removal industry exists. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, here are some questions that you should ask yourself beforehand.
Tattoos in the Bible.
Some Christians condemn tattoos altogether because God forbids them in Leviticus 19:28. In Canaan, the scripture says that instead of marking the body with ink, more extreme measures, like branding or slashing, were used. 1 Kings 18:28 says that they cried aloud and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets until the blood gushed out upon them. Leviticus 19:28 seems to imply this when it says you will not mark cuttings in your flesh for the dead nor print marks on you. With this information, it would seem that God was forbidding scarification, not tattoos as we know them today. Still, it would help if you still think your tattoo through before going through with it. Here are some questions to ask yourself before getting a tattoo.
What does this tattoo say about me?
Tattoos are primarily a form of self-expression, which is acceptable. The problem is that people change. What you want to express today may not correlate with what you want to say later on down the road. When you get a tattoo, you should get something that will mean something later on in life. It would be best not to get something impulsive, but you should be cautious of what you want the world to see about you. Another problem is that people judge you based on your appearance. If you get an irresponsible tattoo, it may cause people to look at you differently.
Is this financially responsible?
Tattoos can be costly. Some people say that they can be addicting. Once you get one, you’ll immediately want more. The more you get, their size, quality, and color will all increase the price. It would be best to think about if getting a tattoo is a good use of the money that God trusted in you. You should ask yourself if you could spend the money another way. You should also ask yourself if you’re robbing God of offerings or failing to be generous towards others. A tattoo could be hindering you from giving to others. These are questions you should ask yourself before getting a tattoo when it comes to your finances.
Will this bring glory to God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 says that whatever we do should all be for the glory of God. It’s easy to justify getting tattoos when it has a Christian meaning or symbolism to it. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it brings glory to God. For example, you can get a scripture tattooed on your arm. It’s scripture, but it could still be dishonoring to God. Biblically, you may have the freedom to get a tattoo, but you should still ask God what He would have you do. If God tells you that the tattoo is a bad idea, it would be best to listen to Him and not get the tattoo.
How will it look as I age?
It would be nice if tattoos held their original appearance over time. However, that’s not the case. The truth is that, God willing, you will get old and wrinkly. Your tattoos will also distort and fade with time. Some tattoos don’t look very good in later stages of life. Aging tattoos may not be a big deal for some, but it is something that you should consider. Do you want a distorted image on your body for the next 25 years of your life? It may be possible to get the tattoo redone once it starts fading, but it won’t look the same as it did when you first got it.
Am I hampering my ability to reach others?
Some Christians get tattoos to create a cultural bridge. They also get tattoos to use as a conversation starter with non-believers. Tattoos could be an excellent way to bridge the gap between believers and non-believers, but they could have some adverse effects. They may make some people feel uncomfortable, causing them to look at you as uncredible. Because you have tattoos, they may cause some people to not listen to what you say. For example, older people who are more traditional may have a more challenging time taking you seriously. Also, some cultures are vehemently opposed to tattoos. If you’re hoping to reach out and connect with others, a tattoo may hinder your ability to make connections.
Am I drawing attention to myself?
The Bible mentions a few things about putting our inner beauty over our outer beauty. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 says that we should aim to lead a quiet and peaceful life. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says that our beauty shouldn’t come from the outside, like wearing elaborate hairstyles or gold jewelry. Our beauty should come from the inside, which is of great worth in God’s sight. You may be focusing too much on your outer beauty than your inner beauty by getting a tattoo. Before getting a tattoo, you should ask yourself if your tattoo has a special meaning or are you getting one just to fit in with everyone else.
Seek God before getting a tattoo.
Tattoos can be extraordinary and have significant meanings. However, there are some things that you should ask yourself before going through with a tattoo. Above anything else, you should make sure that you’re getting a tattoo for the right reasons and that this marking is something that you want on your body for the rest of your life. It would also be best to talk to God before getting your tattoo. He is the only one that can give you the right direction.
