Tattoos

[isurrender]

I have a tattoo. Before I got it I did prayed a lot about it. I don't worship my tattoo and it doesn't stop me from doing what God wants me to do. It has not changed me in anyway. I believe that tattoos are fine as long as you don't put them before God and it don't hender you. I was the same person that into the tattoo parlor when I walked out. I believe things happen for a reason and I never really understood why I got a red sun on my lower back. Until this moment. It remindes me of the blood that God's son shed for us. Because if it wasn't for him we would not be here and I am so thankful. Thank You God for your son Jesus and for Him dying on the cross for us .

 

[The Story Teller]

tattoos are ok as long as their not on me..

 

[The Story Teller]

I knew this guy named Bill. He had his name tattooed on his arm. I asked him why and he said that is so that when I'm to drunk to remember my name all people have to do is look at my arm. Bill isn't the brightest apple in the tree..

 

[plum]

Yeah I have one tat so far. I'd like one or two more total. My tattoo is vertically down my spine right between my shoulder blades and says:
X
I
X
:
X
X
V
-
X
X
V
I
(in maroon, shaded in sunburst colors)
standing for the verse in my sig! I think Job 19-25-26 speaks of many things, one being how impermanent my body is; and even when this flesh rots away, I will still see my LORD face-to-face! Praise God!

The other tats I want are a small red maple leaf, perhaps with some other designing going into it. it's for my dad, a true canadian, and i, a half canadian. my sister and i want matching ones. i kind of want to add somethign to mine thought to make it about my faith too. not sure what. i want all of my tattoos to reflect my life in Christ somehow.

I'm also thinking of a tree to symbolize:

Psalm 1:1-41 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

and

Jeremiah 17:7-9 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD ,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.

 

[The Story Teller]

I have one on my lips that says place food here..

 

[flounder7786]

i designed my own tattoo...its a cross with a heart in the center...its awesome...i absolutely love it. its great for witnessing too, cause people see it on my shoulder and are like...why did you get a cross...and i just tell them what the cross means to me

 

[markdw82]

Personally, I don't see anything wrong with tattoos, provided they aren't indecent. I don't like how it looks, generally speaking, if there are a lot of them, however.

 

[Alineko]

I have three tattoos and I don't see a problem with them. My parents always said I was abusing the temple of God but I like to think of it more as decorating it. I have a daisy, a kanji for 'silence' and a cat with butterfly wings. None of which are offensive in any way. And I agree that as long as your not putting them before God and they cause no harm (i.e. foul language type tattoos and so on) and God doesn't convict you of it that it's alright. But I also believe that just because God may tell you not to do something he may not tell me the same thing. We are all different people with a different purpose and each relationship with God is between only you and God.

 

[Shannonkish]

Good post Alinenko!

 

[Oblivious]

If you still live under the laws of Leviticus - don't do it!

Otherwise, I don't see anything wrong with it. I have only one tattoo on my left ankle. Most people don't even know I have it. I'm thinking about adding another one to it, but haven't completely made up my mind yet.

 

[DudePartDeux]

i can assure you that deep inside, you know that it's wrong, and the fact that you wanna get a tattoo is simply your subconscious wanting to live a rebellious life in one way or another.

I love how everyone just suddenly becomes a psychologist when someone else wants to do something they believe is wrong...

 

[Silver Speak]

I don't really mind tattoos but I don't see the point getting them, either. I'd rather get a piercing 'cause it's something you can take off whenever you like.

 

[Linnis]

I don't like to the idea of putting a bunch of needles into my body for a tatoo or piercing. The idea just creeps me out. Also, sometimes the holes from them don't heal up quite so easily(been trying to have holes my mother put in my ears close up for almost 6 now with no luck.) Also Tattoos will look funny when you get older and uh what if I want to wear something like a dress or I have to dress a certain way for a job. I'd hate to have a tattoo be seen when I'm in a professional situation--to me tattoos everyone can see no matter what makes one seem less professional--same with having an ear ring in an eyebrow and such.

To each their own depending on the personal convictions of the person who's doing it. I for one have decided not to have either.

 

[Shannonkish]

Why is it unprofessional? Because we have associated tattoos with something that they are not necessarily associated with.

I am a family counselor. I have a tattoo... it hasn't made me less employable, less professional, or anything else. It doesn't effect my job in any way. So that point is moot.

Tattoos do not require "lots of needles", only one. Unless you do not care for it properly during the healing stage, it is perfectly harmless, and unlikely to get infected.

as for looking funny... it depends on the person, the placement and the design. I don't see my tattoo looking weird when I am older, simply because it is on my ankle... which doesn't tend to change size or shape.

 

[LiberatedChick]

I have a tattoo at the top of my left arm. The only time it can be seen is if I wear a sleeveless top. I simply don't wear sleeveless tops to work and know one can see it, I can't think of any jobs that would require a sleeveless top to be worn as part of a uniform or something

Placement and design are both important things to consider when choosing a tattoo. Obviously, it *has* to be a design that you like now and are certain you will like in future...thus I tend to advise people that want tattoos to get a design that actually means something to them. And of course, placement is equally important as the design and shouldn't be overlooked. Some places do run the risk of being easily seen and yes, they maybe viewed as unprofessional by colleagues but this doesn't mean all tattoos will be seen....a tattoo on the top of the arm or leg, shoulder, back, ankle, foot etc are easy to cover. And of course the body changes with age but again some places change more than others. These are just things that need to be considered when deciding to get a tattoo. Basically it's just wise to "think before you ink"

 

[Holdinfourth]

I personally have 3 on my right arm, and am getting another one this week. The first 3 I got were at a time in my life that I am not very proud of, although they are a constant reminder of how far I have come since that time. I do not regret them and now I wouldl ike to get finished what I started. Some people look at them as hideous, and disgusting, but I do not know of anyone with a tatoo that does not have a story behind what they have.

My only suggestion to a peson wanting a tatoo is this:
1. Do not get names of anyone (especially if they are a girlfriend, wife, boyfriend, husband, etc...) it always seems to be a curse.
2. get a picture of what you want, and keep it in a place that you look at very often. keep it there for a year. If you do not get tired of it by then, go for it.
3. Remeber this is a life long decision you are making so make a VERY wise choice. What are your kids, grandkids, etc... going to think about it? Before you think of what you want think of how it will affect others first!

 

[crazeepraze]

I think the Bible says in Leviticus to not tattoo the names of dead people on you....can't find the exact scripture and verse but it's there. On top of that, most Christians argue that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost---and that we shouldn't defile our temple.

With that said...I have 7 tattoo's and 1 piercing. Some were done before I got saved, and some were done after. Being in youth ministry, it's my PERSONAL belief that my tattoo's will actually help me reach some youth, that would never set foot in a church. I don't feel like I'm being OF the world......but I think in the long run perhaps the tattoo's will get me in places to minister to people that my Pastor could never get to in a suit and tie. This is all just my personal opinion.

 

[Shannonkish]

I think the Bible says in Leviticus to not tattoo the names of dead people on you....can't find the exact scripture and verse but it's there. On top of that, most Christians argue that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost---and that we shouldn't defile our temple.

lev. 19:28... however.. you have to remember the qualifications of that verse... as well as take the whole counsel of scripture into context.

 

[Sketcher]

lev. 19:28... however.. you have to remember the qualifications of that verse... as well as take the whole counsel of scripture into context.

Yeah, like Acts 15:28-29 which cancels the Leviticus passage. Tatoos did not make the "forbidden" list, so for non-Jewish believers they are 100% legal.

 

[Linnis]

Why is it unprofessional? Because we have associated tattoos with something that they are not necessarily associated with.

I know a friends who has to removed her peicings before going to work. If she refused she would have lost her job, so yes, these things can effect employment.

I am a family counselor. I have a tattoo... it hasn't made me less employable, less professional, or anything else. It doesn't effect my job in any way. So that point is moot.

The point is not moot, just because Your career isn't effected by it. I doubt someone with many tattoos would have a chance getting a job in a elementary school for example. As much as people claim not to sterotype, they do. Of course when they are turned down that won't be the reason that you.

Tattoos do not require "lots of needles", only one. Unless you do not care for it properly during the healing stage, it is perfectly harmless, and unlikely to get infected.

Fair enough, it's one needle, many times.

If there wasn't any risk of STDs from tattoos they wouldn't ask if you've had one done in the last 12 months when at a physical at the doctors. No matter how well you take care of it, that's a risk so hardly what I'd call "perfectly harmless".

as for looking funny... it depends on the person, the placement and the design. I don't see my tattoo looking weird when I am older, simply because it is on my ankle... which doesn't tend to change size or shape.

That's true it's about the placement. I guess it's more about "trendy tattoos" or worse cartoon characters Or if a women gets a tattoo on her stomach than has a few kids.

It doesn't bother me if other people have tattoos I'm just not going to do it. If you have one good for you.