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For some, Leviticus 19:28 speaks with finality to the issue of tattoo’s. Others point out that the Levitical injunction against tattoos is part of the Law which we in this present age are no longer bound to. While in reality, the scripture that speaks against tattooing is coupled with a prohibition against cutting one’s body in remembrance of the dead; a pagan practice of remorse and worship of gods other than Jehovah. (See 1 Kings 18:28) Throughout time, large numbers of people groups have used tattooing as a sign of religious dedication and tribal adornment as well as marking or branding slaves; even the Jewish nation instructed to circumcise all males within their communities, not a tattoo but still a sign of covenant relationship with God. In debating the value of circumcision as opposed to faith in the cross of Christ, Paul may very well have been alluding to his own “marks of identification” when he claimed to, “…bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Galatians 6:17 Apparently in reference to the bruises, scars and often gaunt appearance that allegiance to Christ had inflicted on him.

I understand that at a particular age expressing one’s individualism and identity are crucial; hairstyles, make-up and dress often used as a means of announcing to the world our uniqueness. (Even as we mimic some “star’s” lifestyle choices.) And while I don’t personally have an issue with tattoo’s, as long as they’re not everywhere and offensive, I am cautious in my acceptance of them; surprised by the expense, concerned over legitimate health risks and perplexed at the pain, expense and trouble their removal involves. (Which is a growing business in and of itself, as people later decide they no longer want to be a walking billboard for this or that person or for a cause that no longer interests them.) Believe me – your perspective changes with age – everybody’s does. What you may have printed on your body now as a lark, in a moment of joyous celebration or in response to a drunken bet is meant to be permanent. Your priorities, attitudes, likes and dislikes often aren’t.

Some people think it’s cool to wear a Christian tattoo or others that are inoffensive with no particular purpose in mind, they’re just fun. (And I will have to admit I’ve seen a couple that were interesting to say the least.) Others believe they need to appear like other young people do to be able to effectively relate to them. While having only a few reservations about the first group, I have a real problem with the seond. Do tattoos really make us more relatable or are we merely catering to a fad or alternative lifestyle that we are attracted to as much as wanting to minister to? Is becoming a walking billboard – even for Jesus – an effective form of ministry; especially if that’s the main thrust of our witness? Somehow that seems a bit cheap and way too easy to me; particularly when compared to the marks of identification worn by Paul and others of the early church.

It’s unfair to judge people strictly by their appearance, but very difficult at times not to. Guilt by association is wrong, but who we associate with and how we deck ourselves out are often good barometers of maturity and ability. And the attempt to redeem what some would consider a questionable practice by Christianizing it (admittedly a fairly common practice in the early church) is often suspect at best, a failure at worst. Using Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians as a rule of thumb for our lives today could go a long way in settling any number of contentious debates. “‘Everything is permissible’ but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.’ Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23,24

In reflecting on whether tattoos (or ear rings and/or plugs – body piercing, make-up and styles of dress) might enhance our ability to witness to some of the younger set, I am reminded of Jesus. He never appears to feel compelled to change his clothing, hairstyle or manners to accommodate the different people he related to or appease the crowds seeking him out. (Although he certainly realized some of his techniques were new and thus controversial to some. See Matthew 9:14-17) He was never chameleon-like, changing colors according to the environment he was in, being confronted by a huge range of characters and personalities; from the very poor to the extremely rich, the highly educated and the ignorant – including politicians, religious leaders, businessmen and low-down dirty no-good sinners. He just was passionately who he was, leaving it up to others to accept or reject him as they would. (I often find it amusing to hear young people complain of the intolerance of “old” people when even in their own environments there is little mixing among the athletes and non-athletes, the scholars and the average students or between the Freshmen, Sophomores Junior and Senior classes; the only music worth listening to is what they like, it being silly for anyone to wear their hair different than the rest or to dress in a way not approved by the majority – where anyone choosing to do something different is out of step or outdated!)

Could it be possible Jesus was as effective as he was because he was who he was with everyone; regardless of sex, age, circumstances, education, finances, culture or social standing? His topics of discussion might be a bit different when visiting a farmer or fisherman than they would be in conversation with a Rabbi, politicians or business leaders, and he probably would clean up a bit before going to a banquet as opposed to eating around a campfire by the beach or under an olive tree. But I can detect no hint of posturing on Jesus’ part when it came to developing relationships or witnessing about the kingdom to come.

The biggest question remains – whether in regard to your personal apparel or your taste in music, the movies you watch or make-up you adorn yourself with, the video games you play or the hairstyle you sport – even the attitude you assume when in the company of others; who or what are you reflecting? Who are you trying to please? What are you attempting to accomplish?

In trying to encourage his Philippian converts to remain strong of heart and pure of mind and purpose, Paul reminded them that, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about (and involve yourselves in) such things.” Philippians 4:8 So that, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed (you will) do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.” Colossians 3:17

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