Several years ago I was spending an evening with a really great friend when he asked me, “So what do you want to do tonight?” I said, “I guess we could go get a tattoo!”  We laughed and he asked, “What would you get?”  When I told him that I would get “Philippians 1:21” over my heart, he immediately responded with “Well, you shouldn’t do that. Your chest is so small it would just say PHIL and you surely wouldn’t want that!”  We laughed, at my expense, of course, and we didn’t get tattoos.  I have thought of that story many times in recent months because I have recently been asked alot of questions about this matter.  Some are for them. Some are not.  Some aren’t sure.  Some believe they are flat-out wrong and we should never get them for any reason. Some believe they are no big deal and that we should all just get over it.  And on and on the opinions can go.  So, I thought I would offer some of my thoughts about tattoos. These are in no particular order, but here ya go:

1. While I don’t think it is necessarily sinful to get a tattoo, in some instances I think it could be.  

I know the Levitical text that is often used to prove that tats are wrong (Leviticus 19:28).  I also believe that the prohibition there was not so much about the issue of tattoos, but was rather about the nation of Israel being separated from the pagan worship practices of the heathen nations that surrounded them. In other words, God was teaching that His people should do nothing that would draw them from Him. I also know that while some use this text against tats, they rarely use the other truths taught in the text, which talk about how we should trim our beards and about the fabric in the clothes we wear  (Leviticus 19:19, 27 for instance). A person could certainly make a strong case that this prohibiiton doesn’t apply to them, first because we are “no longer under the law” and secondly because, to my knowledge, tattoos are no longer identified with the worship of pagan gods. So, what do I mean when I say that I don’t think it is necessarily sinful to get a tattoo, but I think it could be?  Well, I mean that if a person is living in rebellion and is getting a tattoo in order to be identified as living in that rebellion, that would be sinful. If a person is rebelling against authority in their lives, then a tat would be sinful.  My position would be that if one’s parents are against tattoos, it would not be right to ignore that.  If one’s authority is against tattoos, then it could be a rebellious thing to dishonor that.  In other words, while I don’t personally believe it is wicked to get a tattoo, if getting one involves rebellion on any level, then it would be sinful to do so.

2. I do think it can be unwise to get a tattoo.  

It can be unwise for any number of reasons. It can be unwise because of the cost.  A nice tattoo can be rather expensive and that may be an unwise use of our God-given resources. We are to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to us. It can be unwise because of the association.  People who vape will almost always get a tattoo.  People who are part of the drug culture will as well.  People who are heavy-metal musicians usually have them.  Wiccan adherents often will. And perhaps the list could go on and on.  It could be unwise because of the “faddish” element.  While fads and fashions have always influenced us, it is usually a temporary influence.  Tattoos are permanent and cannot be changed – at least not easily or inexpensively.  Getting a tattoo could also be unwise because they usually don’t age well.  Older tattoos fade, become discolored, and are usually not very appealing at all!   As we get older, our bodies change and that can change the appearance of a tattoo as well.  Tattoos can also be unwise because they draw attention to me and to my body, rather than to Christ. As a believer, we should live as did the apostle Paul in Philippians 1:20-21 where he wanted Christ to be magnified and not himself.  In a generation that is very self-focused, a tattoo can sometimes be a symptom of that self-focus. It is not the only symptom, and may, for some, not be that at all. We must continually grow in Christ, definitively present our bodies to him, and be certain that we are focused on living for Him and pleasing Him (Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 1:19-20).

3. I personally think it is best for believers not to get a tattoo. 

I know that many of you will disagree with me, that many of you have them, and that some of you may eventually get one.  I won’t judge you.  Well, okay, maybe I will judge you a little! Please smile because I am trying to be funny here. Seriously though, I don’t think believers should and here are a few reasons why I think that way. Tattoo parlors are rarely wholesome, Godly places for Christians to frequent and support. Just last week, I was jogging and passed a tattoo establishment that posted cuss-words on their sign and demonic pictures in their display windows. They had several “in your face” type statements about those who would not agree with tattoos. To me, that is a serious problem and is indicative of the heart behind many who do get tats.  I have rarely seen a tattoo business with which I would be comfortable identifying or supporting.  And I say that sincerely with an awareness that some likely do exist here and there.  I just don’t know any!  I would also argue that tats are often an identification that is not at all Christian.  I mentioned this above but I think it is valid enough to repeat. For instance, a teen who has a reputation for vaping or for promiscuity and then gets a tattoo will likely only lower his reputation rather than improve it. Testimony matters and if getting a tat can damage that testimony, then it would be best not to get one. I also think it is best for a Christian not to get a tattoo because of the pain that is involved – the literal pain, that is.  Tats do have a “pleasure” experience, but it is one that is based on first hurting oneself.  The pain that accompanies the tattoo needle does cause endorphins to be released that produces a euphoric “high” afterwards.  While God designed us with endorphins, recreationally hurting ourselves in order to  attain that experience is not His design. So these are a few reasons I would think it best not to get a tattoo.

4. For you that may consider getting a tattoo, I think you should approach this with as much Scriptural guidance as possible. 

That is fair, isn’t it? Are there any Biblical truths to consider in this regard? I would think so and here are just a few:

1. We should always seek to honor the authorities in our life. Don’t allow anything to undermine good relationships with those whom you are called to honor (Ephesians 6:3; Hebrews 13:7, 17).
2. We should use our liberty wisely.  While it is undeniably true that we have liberty in Christ, we are to refrain from using liberty for our own purposes.  Liberty is given to me so I can be free in Christ, so I can be lead of the Spirit, and so I can by love serve others (see Galatians 5:1,13,18-26). 
3. We should carefully weigh the ramifications.  No man dies to himself and no man lives to himself (Romans 14:7).  Always “count the cost” (Luke 14:27-28).  Don’t get one if if will hinder you in any way from ministering to everyone – young and old – and if it will hinder you in any way in serving God.  I know there are limits to this one, but since a tattoo has an element of permanence to the decision, this should be considered. 
4. We should refrain if we have any doubt at all (Romans 14:23). If you must experiment, get a temporary one and enjoy it for a few weeks. It doesn’t involve the pain element and it solves many of the issues that come with a permanent one. 
5. We should seek counsel about it.  Get wisdom from people you trust and from people who are Godly and wise (Proverbs 11:14; 24:6).

So there you have it – just my thoughts about tattoos.  What do you think?  Do you agree or disagree?  Why or why not?  I would love to hear from you about it. I always appreciate when comments help me to think through issues Biblically and reasonably and I especially love it when I can learn something I hadn’t considered before. 

At any rate, thanks for reading.

Your sincere friend,

Dave Young