Trailblazin Ministries Blog: Tattoos

LaRosa

Tattoos

Written by LaRosa Johnson
Monday, 18 February 2008
Filed under: Faith, LaRosa

For quite a few years now, I've had the thought of getting a tattoo. I had never been swayed one way or the other, but I always kept in mind that I wanted it to be something tasteful and nothing that I would regret when I'm much older and advanced in years. I even remember one time searching the Scriptures to see whether or not it was condemned in the pages of the Bible. Of course there are Old Testament passages that speak against marking one's body in remembrance of the dead (so as to not mimic pagan rituals), but that's about it.

With all of that being said, if I ever did get a tattoo, I always knew that I wanted it to be something to represent my faith, but more than merely a crucifix. I've always wanted to get a passage in Hebrew on the inside of my left forearm, but never had a clue as to what passage to use. Now that I'm taking Greek, I'm considering getting a Greek passage instead (i.e. Romans 1:16). I love that passage of Scripture and having it "on me" would definitely serve as a constant reminder to represent Him well.

Well, this morning I was perusing the Reach Records photo gallery and noticed a picture in their Red Revolution set of photos (pictured below) and I must say that I really liked it. As you can see, it's a picture of a cross in memory of Jesus and then the 116 logo on one side of the shoulder, with 116 on the other side. Then I also thought about the tattoos that Lecrae has on his forearms of nails making a cross and "piercing" his skin (see "Jesus Muzik" video for a pic of his tats).

So that got me to thinking, what's wrong with getting a tattoo? Of course, I keep in mind my witness and those who may be averse to tattoos in general; but overall, most people have tattoos these days and it's not that big of an issue. Plus when out on the daily, it does provide a topic of conversation for those who would be curious as to what the tattoo is about. Honestly, I'm a die-hard 116 Clique representative; not in the sense of being a fan boy, but in the sense that I'm not ashamed of the gospel and the Christ who died for me. I'm grateful to be redeemed and it would almost seem apropos to memorialize it with a tattoo symbolizing my commitment to Him. Of course my life is already dedicated, but that personal reminder that I could look at daily just seems nice and fits me.

I'll think about it some more, but I'm definitely considering it... I can picture it... Romans 1:16-17 in Greek on the inside of my left forearm with the 116 logo...

Yeah... but we'll see though... cuz that's a permanent thing and I don't want to regret it down the road (not that I'd ever be ashamed of Jesus).

Comments (4)

Brian Tate wrote:
on February 18, 2008 11:06 PM

Go for it bro! I'm sure you've studied up on it and everything and feel the same way I do about the Old Testament passage and what it meant and how it REALLY applies to the culture today. I'mma get mine bro... please believe me!

MuRiLO wrote:
on February 29, 2008 11:46 PM

My advice would be please Don't Do It!!!

We (christians)are commanded to NOT be like the world and a tattoo is arguably a worldly thing.

the verse itself Romans 1:16:
i am not ashamed of the gospel...
refers way more than just the being unashamed of the gospel teaching
but also the gospel lifestyle.
a lifestyle that is different from the rest
to get a tattoo would contradict that whole meaning of the verse.
(illustration)
That be like a cop tagging his police department
on a wall. c'mon now everyone knows cops don't do graffiti they stop taggers.
sure he is proud of his department but he doesn't have to put it in graffiti

As far as ya boi Craeyola goes
i "believe" he regrets his tat
he talks a lil bit about it on
TAKE ME AS I AM
"i made many mistakes in my past i cant fix; now im starin at this crucifix, tainted on my wrist"

just some helpful advice from a fellow saint
MSPeaceOUT

anne wrote:
on March 26, 2008 8:50 AM

its a tough one... but in the end i believe you gotta do what works for you... cause its easy to say that getting a tatoo is worldy, but then again we watch movies which are worldy, listen to worldy music, do worldy hairstyles e.g the mowhoak(which most aethiest do), eat the worlds food and so-on... just remember that as christians we are given the Holy Spirit in us, which means we have the spirit of descernment. if you didnt pray about it, than you shouldnt do it, but if you did and God said its fine, than do it... im getting mine, not because i wanna be worldy but because God said its fine, and thats the only opinion i care about!!!!

Talitha wrote:
on June 13, 2008 8:50 AM

Hi Anne,
Just curious, how does God say its fine?
Obviously this is one of those topics that some would say was a grey area. I wouldnt.

The Bible says, Romans 12:1 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Dont get me wrong, I wanted to get a tattoo, until I read that. I understand that when you present something to God as a sacrifice, it cant have blemish..now i am not saying we are perfect, cos only Jesus is.. but after your re-birth, its all about the road to perfection.. following Christ's example.

As for the old testiment scripture Larosa refers to, I read it in 2 parts, where it reads "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD" Lev 19:28

where the first statement reads : "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead" and the second reads "nor print any marks upon you"

So, I just wouldnt do it and I dont agree with it. As for the culture thing, or that everyone is doing it... I would say, in my opinion, You are a Christian FIRST before your black, white, asian, african.. or what ever the case maybe.. and thats how it should be...