Tattoo: Messenger Commentary

On the issue of Tattoo:

Leviticus 19:28

[28]You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.

If you clearly look at this scripture critically, expecially from the first verse, you would understand that it had to do with identity. God did not want the Jews to be like other nations who were already practicing such. Infact, if you go down history lane, you would discover that tattoos bore more of a spiritual significance at that time than what we have now. 

Witches had it on their bodies, sorcerers had it on their bodies, tribes who practiced occultism and demon worship had these inscriptions on their bodies. Others had it as a cultural norm; it was not meant for fashion, they were representative of an identity.

So, God wanted a distinct look for the Jews, which gives them an identity that is recognizable. So when you see a Jew, you know he is a Jew. It was a law to them and not us.

In the New Creation reality, the issue is not whether tattoo is a sin or not? But where is the prompting to get a tattoo coming from? Flesh or the Spirit of God? 

Take a look at what Apostle Paul said;

1 Corinthians 10:23

[23]All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

The life of a believer in Christ is one that edifies, which is at the instance of the Spirit of God. So there are many things that are permissible for us, but they are not helpful to us, hence we don't do them. This is because it does not align with the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God. Everything we do is tagged with an identity, which is instructive of how we should live.

THINGS TO NOTE:

1. Getting a tattoo is permissible for the believer, but it's not helpful in anyway.

2. The lifestyle of a believer in Christ is not based on sin consciousness, but on the obedience to the Spirit of God, which is in you. It is about the Kingdom of God, and our identity in Christ.

3. If you had a tattoo, village mark or incision on your body, before you came to Christ, it's fine. God will not kill you or send you to hell for that, but don't let it hinder another brother or sister. Don't flaunt it. If there are in places that can be covered with clothing, please do, if not, don't flaunt it or encourage a brother or sister to get one. 

4. If you are already in Jesus Christ, and you don't have a tattoo yet, you have no business in having one. It doesn't matter what bible passage you inscribe on it, you are walking according to the flesh and not by the Spirit. The believers in Christ are led by the Spirit and not the flesh.

5. Christ is your image, the Holy Spirit is your leading, and God is your father. Follow the ways of the Kingdom of God, and not the approved standards of the world.

No matter how catchy that tattoo is, it is not for you the believer in Jesus Christ, because the Laws of God are written in our hearts and not on our flesh 

God bless you.

#TheMessenger