Should I Get a Christian Tattoo (Even If My Parents Don’t Like It)?
— Monday, January 11th, 2010 —
Dear Dr. Moore,
I want to get a tattoo. I’d like it on my stomach, with a cross, with the words, “Flee Immorality: You Were Bought with a Price.” I’d like this as a measure of accountability for myself as the years go by, in case the zeal I have for the gospel ever wanes and I’m ever in a place of temptation this will be an ever-present reminder of what I know to be true.
I am really convicted that this is what the Lord would have me to do. Here’s my problem.
I am 19 years old and a college student. I live at home with my parents. I work and pay for my own school, but I live with them. I love my parents and truly believe I honor them, but where does “honor your father and mother” end? I really believe this is an issue of obedience in doing what the Lord seems to be directing me to do.
You probably agree with my parents that I shouldn’t get the tattoo and I can respect that. I’ve thought it all through. My question isn’t whether I should get the tattoo; it’s whether I’d be sinning against God and my parents if I did it.
If I am under their authority right now, when does that end? When I’m 21? When I’m out of the house? Or does it ever end, when it comes to making decisions like this?
Sincerely,
Bought with a Price
Okay readers. This is an edited compilation of three overlapping questions. What would you tell Bought? Should he get the tattoo? Wait and get the tattoo after he is out of his parents’ home? What kind of issues should he think about as he makes this decision? I’ll weigh in later.
39 Responses to “Should I Get a Christian Tattoo (Even If My Parents Don’t Like It)?”
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I actually wrote a short piece about this very matter a few months ago. Check it out!!
http://jheuglin.blogspot.com/2009/09/tattooed-body.html
In Christ,
John
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I’m about to sound like my mom but here goes. If Bought is living at home on his parent’s dime, he is still under their authority on an issue like this. That changes when he gets out from under their financial umbrella and on his own.
But here are two things that don’t change.
1. Bought’s mandate to honor his parents doesn’t change.
Even though he’s not always under their authority, he still has to consider what his decisions do to them.
2. Tattoos don’t change (unless you know a guy that can do some cheap skin graphing).
The tattoo may look cool now but 20 years from now when the six pack turns into a keg, that cross will look more like a blurry blue arrow with indistinguishable words smeared all over your gut. No real biblical insights on that one but something to consider if you ever want to take your grandkids to the beach.
On a personal note, there have been many times that I have convinced myself that God wants me to do something that makes me look or feel cool but goes against common sense. Over time, I’m learning to spend my energy focusing on the commands directly given to me in scripture. Obedience is hard enough without the ink and needles.
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First tattooed when I turned 18. Moved out at 21. Moved back in at 25. By this time, I had 17 or so tattoos. The dad (a pastor) of a girl I planned on marrying talked to me about my tattoos when I asked him if I could court his daughter. (”No” to the courtship.) He asked me what my parents thought about them. “Well, they don’t like them.” He asked how getting tattoos against their wishes was honoring. This humbled me. I immediately went to my dad and talked with him about it. He was shocked. He said, “I don’t mind you getting them when you’re on your own, but as long as I’m paying your rent, I’d like you not to get any more.”
Up to that point, this was one of the best examples of biblical Christianity I’d ever shown to my folks.
I believe when you are completely out from under your folks’ financial support, it is only then you should reconsider being tattooed. There are many other things to consider regarding this, but from the letter it seems you’re a grounded Christian and wanting to get this for an upstanding purpose. However, don’t be so hasty. You have a lifetime out of your parents’ place to get tattooed. Don’t make it stressful for the next 2 or 3 years with them.
Mind you, I’m not telling you to get the tattoo when you are out of the house. I’m telling you to reconsider it then. You will undoubtedly have other priorities and tattoos could be the last thing on your mind.
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1. God has not provided that tattoos serve as “. . . a measure of accountability for myself as the years go by, in case the zeal I have for the gospel ever wains and I’m ever in a place of temptation this will be an ever-present reminder of what I know to be true.” God provides the indwelling Spirit and more tangibly baptism the Lord’s Supper for those (better) measures.
2. In matters of Christian liberty (if this is one), if an “I can” becomes an “I must” then we’re no longer living in liberty and love (1 Cor 6.12). Have we been mastered by a tattoo?
3. We should be careful of hearts that seek ways out from under authority, whatever the context.
4. Would a future wife want to stare at a “Flee Immorality” billboard every day (and night)?
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I would say first, I don’t think getting the tattoo in and of itself would be sinful so it doesn’t really matter whether he does or doesn’t but, in this situation I would advise that he would need to wait until he is out of his parents house before doing so. I feel the more important issue to focus on here is the idea that “this is what the Lord is directing him to do” and that he feels this is a matter of obedience to God. I feel Christ calls his children to obedience in baptism, making disciples, living holy, etc. Not to getting or not getting tattoos. I think he needs to understand more of how God works and the difference between what God calls us to in obedience and going after the desires of our heart and claiming God’s direction. I feel God calls us to obedience in honoring our father and mother way before getting a tattoo.
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Please kid, do not get the tattoo. I got the tattoo of a weird Christian symbole when I turned 18… The only problem is that it had the star of David and a Mannorah on it and I was a near hyper-dispensationalist! Now that I am a WCF covenantal reformed person I fear going swimming with my fellow church bretheren! It may be cool now but is it really necessary? Scripture permits it I believe but I do not think it is wise. Your personality will change in your lifetime and there are better ways to spend that kind of money. Use that money to support missions in Québec, Canada- one of the hardest places in the world to work for the Gospel (for proof of that see D.A. Carson’s little book). Or Support the PCA’s Missions to the World and one of their missionaries in France (my passion is for French speaking people clearly). A tattoo runs at least a hundred dollars. A complex one like you want would cost more! Those are just my thoughts.
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I would point him to the 5th Commandment (and to Eph. 6:1 and Col. 3:230). I would then ask him how he knows that getting a tattoo is “an issue of obedience in doing what the Lord seems to be directing me to do.” There are many other ways to implement fleeing immorality that won’t cause him to dishonor his parents. In fact, it seems that he may be trusting more in outward reminders than in hiding the Word in his heart that he will not sin against God. I would remind him that the law is written on his renewed heart by the Spirit and that the best way to flee immorality is to cling closely to Christ and be in his Word daily.
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If I understand Bought’s question correctly, his concern is not whether or not the tattoo is sinful, but whether or not getting a tattoo against his parents’ wishes would be sinfully dishonoring them. To that end, I’d encourage him to think about what honor really means. If we say the means of honoring parents is simply to obey everything they say, then I believe we allow ‘honor’ to be defined by the parent’s righteousness and not God’s.
What will bring the right kind of honor to his parents would be obedience to God on the matter. A son obeying Christ is more honoring than a son just obeying his parents. Therefore, it does behoove Bought to think about a few things. He must investigate the Biblical morality of tattooing. He must consider whether or not there are more appropriate (and significant) ways to fulfill his desires for “an ever-present reminder of what I know to be true.” Finally, I’d encourage him to hold to the marks of Christ as the permanent reminders of what is true so that he is first thoroughly addressing unbelief with the Gospel and not something made in the flesh by human hands.
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And I agree with B.J.s point about Bought’s future wife!
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There is no where in Scripture that Christ forbids getting a tattoo. While the Old Testament law does forbid it for Jews, those of us who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb are no longer under the law, but are free in Christ. There is no place in Scripture where we are commanded to get tattoos or “physical reminders” of our salvation either. So the feeling of being “called” to do this I would believe to be more just a personal desire. That being said, There are numerous times in the New Testament where honor for one’s parents is stated. There is no special age where you are suddenly free from the mandate to honor your parents. When you get to a point in your life that you have separated from them and have a separate family, then you have different priorities that will usurp the place of your parents, but even then you must strive to honor them.
I believe that as long as you are living with your parents, in their home, then you are still willingly placing yourself under their authority. Therefore I would believe that the best way to honor them would also include obeying them. I would also recommend asking why they object to the tattoo and trying to consider their point of view on the subject. A tattoo is something very permanent; so you want to make sure that you have considered every angle. If this is something you’d really like to do after you’ve considered your parent’s objections, then I would recommend waiting until you are no longer under their authority (out of their house and with a family of your own) before do so; it won’t hurt to wait a few more years.
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God never contradicts himself. He has given the command, “Honor your father and mother.” If this guys lives under their authority, and it appears he does, then God would never lead him to do something that would go against their wishes in this way.
This is not a matter of parents asking him to do something that is overtly sinful. If they wouldn’t allow him to go to church or wanted him to marry an unbeliever then he could very well have a case for disobeying their wishes. I do not see any way in which this situation would fit into that category.
It sounds to me like he just really thinks it would be cool to get this tattoo. He probably also thinks it would be God-honoring. I bet he really got it built up in his head how awesome this was going to be, and then his parents came along and popped his balloon. I’ve been there when I was younger, so I can see how it would happen.
I almost always doubt when someone tells me God is “leading them,” to do something like this. Seriously? When we start waiting on little voices in our heads, or gut feelings that we have, or miraculous signs, to guide us instead of the Word, we’re headed into dangerous territory, ready to be tossed about to and fro by any new wind that blows.
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I agree with #4. There are other God-given reminders (i.e. the Spirit, the Word etc.) that are far more effective than a tattoo. The problem is that often rather than accepting and submitting to the means of grace God has given to us we seek other means. Saturate your life with God’s Word and pray daily for the Spirit to empower you to live a life of fidelity. These things are much better than the tattoo for the purpose you mentioned.
Secondly, and on a more practical level, I don’t think you are in the position that you must obey your parents desires in this matter. You are an adult. There are two issues here.
1.Are you acting like an adult? If you are, in general, still acting like your 12 then you should not be surprised if your parents are treating you like your 12. Is this just the latest in a pattern of immature choices?
2.If this is not the case and you are completely responsible then it is a matter of you seeking to be a peacemaker and making the wisest decision. If you know your parents are strongly opposed to it and that it will cause problems then you should at least postpone the idea. You are not necessarily obligated to but it seems like the wise thing to do in this situation. There will be a time when your parents will not be so intimately involved in every aspect of you life. Just wait until then. If you want that time to be now then you should probably seek another living arrangement.
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Its pretty simple to me. If he is in any turmoil over getting a tattoo then he is not ready to get a tattoo. If he went ahead with it I would assume in the future he would regret it. I think there are better ways to remind oneself to ““Flee Immorality: You Were Bought with a Price.”
How about writing it on your bathroom mirror, put on a card in your wallet or on your dashboard…. Or maybe memorize 1 Corinthians 6 to the point where its permanently written on your heart rather the temporarily on your flesh.
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A bit of literary analysis: Bought twice uses the word “really” to describe his sense of God’s direction, as in “I am really convicted…” and “I really believe…” Really, I do. Really, really, really! It sounds almost as though he is trying to convince himself that God is leading in this manner. While matters of parental authority and respect are important, the entire issue is predicated on the underlying belief that God (really) wants him to get this tattoo. What if God (really) doesn’t? Basing a rather irreversible decision on a subjective sense of divine conviction is unwise. Since it is not his human father’s will, it may not be his Heavenly Father’s. Really.
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Honor your Mother and Father. Mmmm…
The answer to this question is affected partially by the reality of extended adolescence. Many young adults are still dependent on their parents well into their 20’s. I just heard this morning, from Dr. James Dobson’s family minute radio broadcast, that children in the United States enjoy the longest time of adolescence in human history. No other culture since the beginning of time has had a higher age for entry into adulthood.
One dilemma for Bought is that he is a legal adult, but not an independent adult.
I would encourage Bought to follow the advice of his chosen tattoo design. “Flee Immorality: You Were Bought With a Price.” Bought would make an immoral choice to go against his parent’s wishes on this one.
I would also encourage Bought to reconsider his motives for the tattoo. If the conviction from God is to have this tattoo as a fail safe against backsliding, then Bought must deal with a greater maturity issue. Would his Father in Heaven ask him to create a safety net? What about he assurance of all believers that God will not let him go?
Bought should realize that he is totally, always, and forever dependent on his Heavenly Father and should honor HIM by listening to his physical father and mother.
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Really hope that the final answer here says something about honoring parents wishes. What if parents wish you wouldn’t grow that beard, or wouldn’t wear jeans with a hole in the knee or would dress “nicer,” etc. Lots of people have to deal with this, and to say that the person in question should simply honor Mommy and Daddy’s wishes opens up a whole can of worms.
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To honor someone doesn’t mean just obeying them, I think it means something a whole lot more, and I don’t think honoring your parents stops at a certain age or when you move out, it’s a lifelong thing.
My grandmother and I are really close, I don’t live with her and I’m over 21 but I still honor her by respecting her wishes and thinking about her when I make decisions. She doesn’t want me to get any tattoos, and because I respect her feelings I haven’t gotten any and I won’t, even if I really want one.
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If the issue is about accountability, which it seems is the reason for the tat in the first place, I suggest, under the circumstances, that a close friend/pastor/parent is a better way to be accountable and highly recommend Joshua Harris’ “Not Even A Hint.” renamed “Sex is not the problem, Lust is” to figure out how to go about having such accountability….someone who will have the guts to ask how you are doing and then pray with you regularly!
If parents don’t like tats - get a piece of jewellery made up with your motto on instead! Or do a painting or an artistically composed computer printout for your room, bathroom, your car etc to constantly remind you.
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The words and placing of this tattoo cause me to ask two questions. One…..why this verse…two….why the placement? I would make the assumption that being reminded to stay sexually pure is the motivation here. I admit I could be completely off base. All of our struggles in this life look different. We all have demons (so to speak) to keep at bay. I have often thought of putting a verse on my forearm to remind me to never pick up another whiskey bottle again. That said, (and if my assumptions are correct) get the tattoo. Our walk with the Lord is personal, and different. I wouldn’t for one minute think that an outward reminder of the price that was paid for my soul was immature, weak, or silly.
Just wait!!! The command to get the tattoo will still be there when Bought moves out of the house. I’d say it has less to do with being under authority and more to do with how to be an effective witness in his parents home. Respecting thier wishes will serve as a better witness than a tattoo.
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The intro to the letter seems to shed light on the doubt Bought is experiencing, and I appreciate his honesty and transparency. I appreciate that his zeal for the gospel is such that he’s considering taking radical steps to prevent sins he knows are realistic temptations.
But I’m afraid it’s not realistic to think that if zeal for the gospel wanes, a tattoo is an acceptable substitute.
Brandi had a particularly insightful question: “why the placement?” But I’d take it further than she did to say if a physical encounter gets so far as to expose such a tattoo, it’s not likely to change anyone’s mind.
I know the question isn’t particularly about whether or not the tattoo is OK in an of itself. However, I find the verse chosen for the tattoo quite interesting: “…you were bought with a price.”
Since Jesus owns your body (and I’m assuming your parents to be believers), whether you get a tattoo or not perhaps should be a judgment call not made on your own inner convictions alone. After all, you are (body and all) subject not only to your parents, but the wisdom of your church (of which your parents are presumably members), and ultimately to Him who bought you.
Looking forward to Dr. Moore’s answer!
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The question is if Bought will be sining by getting a tattoo in the described circumstances. I think the important issues to take into consideration are the following:
1.He wants to get a Tattoo.
3. “I am really convicted that this is what the Lord would have me to do.”
4. His Parents think he shouldn’t get the tattoo
5.If his christian duty to honor his parents “ever end, when it comes to making decisions like this?”
Our christian obligation to honor our parents do not end with financial independence or the edge of a rooftop, is there forever. Now, we must beleive in the sincerity of Bought being convicted by the Lord to get a tattoo. We are talking here about a 19 year ald male who, before taking this decision has prayed and has consulted his parents for their advice. We are not dealing with a rebel, we are dealing with an individual who sincerely wants to obey and fulfill God’s will in his life. However, his sicerity about what the Lord is leading him to do is been confronted with scripture and altough he beleives in his heart getting a tatto is the right decision, he has doubts.
We all have had this kind of dilema’s in our lives. Maybe it does not have to do with honoring our parents, but it has to do with submitting to one another or obeying our boss ect.
All the talk about the practicality of having a tattoo and the effects it may have in the future is good but it does not solve the problem in Bought’s heart. He needs clear guidance as to if the decision he is going to take will be sining against God and his parents.
My recommendation for Bought will be that if he is being convicted by scripture that his actions could be dishonoring to his parents and hence a sin, not to do it. Wait, continue praying and studying scripture until he sorts out the dilema of his heart. All of Bought’s actions in the Lord must come form a clear understanding in his heart and his mind of what the sripture says about it. If there is a sincere doubt about whether the action will be sinful or not, abstain.
If his parents objections are rooted in their beleif that getting a tattoo is sin, not to do it. I think he will be dishonoring his parents at that point and in these circumstances. Talk to them, pray for them and ask the Lord to move their hearts if you really beleive is the Lord’s will for you to get the tattoo.
If their parents merely advice him not to do it because they don’t like how tatoos look , it is my understanding tha under Bought’s circumstances he would not be sining because honoring our parents at Bought’s age do not mean doing what they will like us to do, but seeking their advice in the Lord with meekness and respect for their opinions.
Sincerely,
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I’m not sure if going straight to “Honor your Father and Mother” is the best approach. How far do we go with this? Does 19 year-old Bought also have to “honor” his parents when they tell him to eat his vegetables or to drink milk everyday to get enough calcium?
I think there are two sides to this issue. “Bought” must consider the wisdom and nurturing love that will come from his parents (this assumes they love Jesus and love the Word). But the parents must also recognize they can’t keep making decisions for their 19 yr old college student.
It doesn’t sound like “Bought” wants to get a tattoo to substitute the Holy Spirit’s leading in his life. I don’t get that sense. Or that he wants the tattoo to substitute the power of the Gospel in his life.
I am in the process of getting the Shema (Deut. 6:4,5) tattooed in Hebrew on my left forearm. I am doing this for three reasons: 1) I like tattoos. 2) It has generated many great conversations. 3) According to Jesus, it’s the greatest commandment in the entire Bible.
Both “Bought” and his parents must think through this biblically. Ultimately, I think this should be “Bought’s” decision.
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I answered earlier (#8), but as I’ve thought more about it, I feel like the answer requires some kind of mention about God’s common grace in parental counsel even when it’s a non-essential matter.
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Interesting conversation… I would wish that contributors would list their age along with their comments, so that I don’t have to guess how their experience, or lack thereof, slants their judgment. Better, I would also like to see included whether the contributor considers himself a successful grandparent — (if you don’t know how that would apply, just wait… you will.)
When I was young, I placed little value on experience. Now that I have some, I wish that I had paid more attention to (honored) my elders (including my parents). Honoring one’s parents is more than getting their permission because they pay the bills. It is an expression of our appreciation of our VERY old, VERY wise God who expresses His will and wisdom for us through His servants… our parents, our church, our government… rather than direct revelation. We should be dependent upon these social structures that He has established as a means of recognizing that we are ultimately dependent upon Him.
Out of curiosity, I would like to ask “Bought” :
If you put this tattoo on your stomach “as a reminder” to yourself, do you put it on upside down so that you can read it? Or in reverse so you can read it in the mirror? Or is it really there for others to see?
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I have consider this issue a lot for myself personally. I am 20 years old and I am in my junior year in college. My parents do help me financially.
I have wanted a tattoo for several years now and I was thinking about getting one this summer. My parents are really against the idea. To justify my cause I have used the whole ‘Christian Liberty’ argument. Then I study those passages a lot more and figure out what I believe the meaning of Christian liberty is. We are free not to live for what we want but to do God’s work and to serve Him.
Honoring your parents is a crucial commandment in God’s Word and by honoring them is to obey them (completely as long as it doesn’t contradict Scripture) while you are financially supported by them. So I would say no don’t get a tattoo now.
I haven’t figure out what happens when I’m on my own completely yet. Whether obeying parents is still part of honoring them when you move out. I wouldn’t mind hearing someone else view on what should happen when with this when you are own your own.
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A few thoughts:
- Do we know that Bought is a male? Just curious, because I assumed otherwise when I first read the letter itself.
- There should be no age at which honoring your father and mother ends. And that is very different than being “under their authority” and/or doing everything they say.
- A very good argument can be made that one should think long and hard before putting something as lasting as a tattoo on his/her body. That is wisdom, pure and simple. There aren’t many decisions made by individuals in our culture that are as permanent as a tattoo — career and marriage included. If we can’t be faithful to remain in a marriage relationship, what makes us think we’ll be happy with a tattoo forever? If I were Bought, I’d think about how long I could possibly make myself wait to get this tattoo — and then wait at least twice as long.
- If Bought is positive being obedient to God means getting this tattoo, he/she should. But if there is a question of whether or not it’s a sin to do so, I would not be so quick to call it God’s will.
- I think a tattoo to remind one’s self of purity is a noble idea. But I would think it quite odd, after years had passed, to be married and for my spouse to often read that on my body. I think modern Christian culture already leaves many individuals associating any and all sex with guilt and immorality, which can cause a lot of problems in marriage. Bought, what is considered to be immoral now may very well be a beautiful gift from God later.
And, Stan, I am 32 years old with one tattoo. I got it at 20, after drawing a design that waited six months in my oft-used Bible. I do not regret my tattoo at this point in my life, and never have. [Though I will admit I am still a young man... and my feelings certainly could change.]
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I think the tatoo in and of itself is not a sin, but there is something to be said about them.
Historically in our culture and others tattoos have represented rebellion or identity with a certain sub-culture. This still permeates our society. I would advise against it unless there is a specific missional reason to get one (and I mean very specific). I’m personally attempting to resolve what I see as many of our local churches not providing mature counsel to young people who want tattoos - the answer as a friend says is we collectively are immature. The indifference is perplexing to me. As much as I understand it is the persons heart that matters most, we live in a culture where the tattoo may interfere (rightly or wrongly) with interaction of others. So I don’t think it’s as much a matter of sin, but wisdom.
On a side note I doubt the Lord is leading Bought to get a tattoo. It’s what he wants - a desire of his youth. Also, I agree with other posters that the tattoo is not what will keep Bought from falling into temptation. He is thinking and writing as a 19 year old, and one day will realize that whether he gets the tattoo or not.
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I do not believe the tattoo to be the root issue nor the respect and honoring of the parents. I have dealt with the same issue for 3 years now debating a tattoo of and eagle with “Isaiah 40:31″ printed underneath as a reminder of God’s desire and ability to bring me through all trials and temptations, but my wife doesn’t want me to get one. The desire first came after my wife wanted to leave me and we reconciled but had to leave the ministry path I was in (she also was involved in a physical affair that I didn’t know about it). I thought the tattoo would give me hope when trials came and help me to re-focus on God. My wife left me three weeks ago just before Christmas. I have thought much about the tattoo. But after prayer I believe I have realized that what I have been looking for is a scar. I want to have something to look at that says I have suffered but am still alive. A broken heart can’t be seen by others or in a mirror like the remains of open heart surgery, but a tattoo can. And a religious themed one somehow makes us think that this “scar” reminder of our past pain and suffering will tell us that we are alive because of God. But I am realizing that in reality I don’t need a scar to know that I’m alive because “His Spirit testifies with my spirit” that I am alive. I would focus on the root spiritual issues with this young man which I do not think are the 5th commandment and needing accountability, but is perhaps recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit in himself.
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i personally have 2 rules of tattooing:
1) get it in a place [on the body] which won’t change much and
2) get it in a language you KNOW [actually know! not just 'studied for a semester in high school']
male or female, the location of Bought’s tattoo is a BAD idea. kind of reminds me of the “everlast chastity belt” from the Robin Hood: Men in Tights movie.
so i know this answer makes me seem shallow. but as a tattooed person, albeit 2 quite small tattoos, these are the rules i have.
of course, my advice to Bought would be to honor the parents’ wishes especially while under said parents’ roof.
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I can’t help linking to this blog post by Nancy Wilson on tattoos. Food for thought.
http://femina.reformedblogs.com/2009/07/29/so-your-daughter-wants-a-tattoo/#comments
Based on the thoughts presented by Nancy, I’d think that any parent who feels this way (or similarly) about tattoos would be directly dishonored by a child of theirs getting a tattoo, whether living in their home or not. What is the child really sacrificing in not getting the tattoo? Isn’t it a greater sacrifice to get one when there is full knowledge that it will strain close relationships that could instead be strengthened by a willingness to submit to one another and avoid being a stumbling block for others? Aren’t there other (and better) ways of reminding ourselves of the words of Christ, like participating in writing them on our hearts by meditating on His words each day? And isn’t a more effective means of acquiring accountability to surround yourself with Christian brothers and sisters who are faithful to encourage and confess to one another? Again, what is one really giving up when one declines tattooing himself for the sake of others? It’s easier to write on our skin than to discipline ourselves to spiritual mindedness and to maintaining true Christian community, and the flesh (in any sense) has never been known to be strong in getting us to God.
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First let me say that I have some dear friends who have tattoos that are very tastefully done. I also worked with a man who in his navy days had tattoos; he had, however later in life regretted it, went through some painful laser in an effort to remove almost all of the tat. However, this young person has several questions that can all be answered I believe with 1 Corinthians 3:16-19….”Know you not that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God detroy; for the temple of God is holy, which you are the temple. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.”
With that said, let me ask a question: would you consider going to your place of worship with a can of spray paint and ‘painting’ anything on the walls of that establishment? You are the establishment of the Holy Spirit.
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Stan…for your edification, I am 40. Loved your comments about putting the tattoo on upside down so it can act as a true reminder to the one wearing it.
I have just glanced through many of the postings, and I am not sure if anyone has talked to the origins of tattooing. It was started as a pagan practice to memorialize the dead. Christ is alive. Why do we feel the need to memorialize Him this way when He has commanded that we memorialize Him only through communion?
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In what true ways can you show Christ what he means to you- today and forever? What was Christs example? Give to the poor, the fatherless, and the widow. Give the money you would spend on yourself to glorify God, give as it has been given to you. Young man- your deep faith is evident in your words! You love the Lord, I am sure of that- tattoo or no tattoo. Peace to you brother, Angi.
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The tattoo won’t work, even if you get it, brother. You won’t flee immorality because of a tattoo when/if your zeal for the gospel wains, as you put it. I know that cuts the legs out from under the debate. But I thought I’d just go ahead and add that since the other points, the honoring of parents and the tattooing of your body, will be well covered in comments left above.
I kind of think those are a red herring for what really concerns you, and I’d rather dig a little beyond the presenting question. The real point is how ought we to provide safeguards for our hearts?
If you are getting the tattoo to scare away immoral women, that won’t work either.
Why does the heart overcome reason every single time we sin? (Dig into Bridges’ Pursuit of Holiness for more on this.) I can appreciate your desire to put up boundaries of self-accountability, but a tattoo for this purpose isn’t the way to go. Instead, fill up your life with godliness. That’s the way. See Ephesians 4-5. Such a helpful passage. Fill up your life with focus on thankfulness and on efforts to bring God glory. Make this your passion for a lifetime. But these kinds of boundaries?? Your heart, straying from God, can tear down or ignore every single one of them.
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As a mom of a 19 yr old, I understand completely the issues they are both facing, but none matter as much as upholding what Paul fought so diligently for…unity. There is a work of God going on that is of higher value than any longing we have for our own bodies.
So, I’d start as I hope I always will by listening to his concerns, hearing in him that he feels the weight of his knowledge that just like me, he battles the temptation to slide slowly away. As a side note, I’d tell him that some other time, I’d love to help him to see other, more secure ways for abiding in Christ. But then we’d move to opening to Romans 14 and talking about the idea that there are an amazing variety of things that are possible for us to do in Christ that will honor Him…but not everything we can do is beneficial. I can now eat and drink whatever I’d like in a way that glorifies God…unless by doing so it might harm another.
Just as Christ’s life was completely submitted to the Father’s, so now I am His. He didn’t say what He wanted, but what the Father wanted. He didn’t do what He wanted, but what the Father wanted (taking him to John 8, 10, 12, etc.) Now, my call is..as far as it is possible for me…to live at peace with all men, even parents! (Rom.12) My life is not my own, to follow as I see it, but bought into a body that lives and moves together…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph. 4)
Sure, you have liberty to get a tattoo. But for the sake of a tattoo, don’t destroy the work of God. And then a reminder that this will not be the only, but one of thousands and thousands of times that he will feel a pull toward something that may negatively effect another. As a sinful wife of a sinful husband, both saved by grace alone, there have been innumerable times where one or the other has had to allow time for God to move in the heart of another before the way was clear for us to pursue whatever it was…from a job move to a small purchase…from small child-rearing decisions to having children at all, or to stop having children later.
The feelings inside of us to follow God in obedience in personal ways are never going to trump God’s ultimate call in us to follow God is doing what makes for mutual building up of us all.
As another side note, we’d talk from a mom’s perspective about the ways that my daughter can bring up issues with me in a way that is honoring. Honor doesn’t necessarily mean silence. But whatever your goal, the way you reach it matters as much as whether you reach it. There is time for a tattoo…and if the Lord truly wants it done, no one can stay His hand. But I’d promise this young man that if He does want it done, how He desires for it to be accomplished falls right in line with the commands He gives.
As for the last question, when are you out from under their authority? Well, in a sense, it’s true now in a lot of ways. They don’t tell you what to do in the same way they once did. You’ve taken authority yourself. It will happen more and more, naturally. I don’t call my mom to ask if I can go see a move…and neither does my daughter though she should expect to enter into a longer discussion if I question why she would want to see a certain film. But in a sense, you never get past submitting to your parents completely…as is true for everyone you will serve. In humility, your goal is to consider everyone more important than yourself…never looking simply to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil.2). It is only what Christ did for us after all…and by grace, we know can have this same mindset. He humbled Himself..became a servant…and left me to do the same. It is my joy…when my heart is focused on Him alone…to fill up in my flesh what Christ has left for me to do for Him (Col. 1). And when it’s not? The problem isn’t their authority, but my pride, my unwillingness to serve others’ needs with my own.
PS…why am I so sure it’s a guy? Surely, there’s no 19 yr old gal who doesn’t know about stretch marks, right? If it is a woman, I’d be glad to point to another area that will not be quite so changed at 42! You’d want it to stay legible, right? ;-)
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