I know, it is the end of 2013 and I should write about the past year and all that it meant. In a way, though, this post is about that – about being things that mark us. But, no – it is not a maudlin recount of the past year’s triumphs and tears. Perhaps I will write that, but not now. I have not been writing here for some time. I got some criticism from someone I trust that I seemed to be writing for the wrong reasons. But, the truth is, I just want to write – I am compelled to write – even when it is on a topic where I am likely to offend everyone like this post.
It would be nice if people read what I write. Even better if they should be edified by what I write. And, ultimately I may never know if my writing was merely for myself or if it touches someone in a way that matters. So, I write about tattoos. Do tattoos matter? Well, not really enough to write about. If you expect this to be a tirade either for or against tattoos, you can stop reading now. Personally, I have none and never plan to get one. I hope my daughters choose the same for many reasons. But, many people I love have them and I do not begrudge them their choice.
I write, though, because tattoos are a topic upon which nearly everyone seems to misuse scripture (of those who bother to apply scripture at all, that is). Recently, I heard a person of influence state to a group of people that “Jesus has tattoos – how cool is that?” This disturbed me. I took a lot of time to reflect on why it disturbed me before I said anything.
My daughters were not there to hear it, but they have heard similar statements. I prefer my daughters not get tattoos and so I prefer people who have influence on them not advocate tattoos. But, that was not the deepest reason it disturbed me. It disturbed me because this person so casually misused scripture to advocate for a popular agenda. How often have we seen that go badly? How often have I done the same? This is not a critique of that person. He is a tremendous leader who loves Jesus and follows Him really well. It is a critique of a pitfall ALL Christians run into from time to time – the misuse of scripture.
He was referring to Revelations 19:16 which says, “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'” I am confident in saying he misused this scripture because Revelations is in a highly symbolic style of writing, yet he, like many others I have heard, asserted that this passage should be taken literally. If that were the case, then the preceding Rev. 19:15 would mean that Jesus literally has a sharp, two-edged sword coming out of His mouth. That passage means that Jesus’ words will divide those who have received Him from those who do not and that His word will cut into us deeply to convict us of truth.
So, it follows that Rev. 19:16 also has symbolic meaning. He will not actually show up wearing a robe with His name on it like Rocky Balboa stepping into the boxing ring. And, for His name to be on His thigh means His name is powerful. Two things to consider here: 1) In olden times, one’s name carried the fullness of ones position and authority, 2) the thigh is the strongest bone and strongest muscles in the whole body. So, this passage means that Jesus will return with obvious power and authority – the fullness of the authority of God. He will no more have ink soaked into His skin than He will have a sharpened bit of steel sticking out of His mouth.
In misusing scripture to make Jesus seem cool and all tattooed up, we inadvertently sell scripture short and perhaps even hinder listeners from understanding an essential, difficult, and symbolic book that reveals the gospel in tremendous ways.
To be fair, those who hate tattoos also misuse scripture as I have done. We turn to a different chapter 19 – Leviticus 19:28 which says, “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.” This is the one and only place that tattoos are actually mentioned directly in the Bible. So, it is ready fodder for folks to quote. But, it is misuse of this passage to then say all tattoos are sin. The context of this passage is marking the body “for the dead”. It appears alongside prohibitions related to practices of the nations that Israel was coming into contact with and which are meant to keep them from straying. Therefore, these tattoos were most likely connected to a form of idolatry or ancestor worship. Furthermore, this was levitical law and we are not under that law, but the law of grace.
The only thing one can confidently say is that the Bible eschews making outward adornment overly important; we are to primarily find our beauty and the beauty of others from internal qualities. Take a look at these passages if you doubt this assertion: 1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and Luke 12:27-28.
If one takes those principles along with the intent behind Lev. 19:28, I am confident that one should approach any permanent alteration to their body prayerfully, seeking to honor God. If, then, God gives you liberty to adorn your body with tattoos, do so in a way that expresses honor to Him for it is His temple. But, do not misuse scripture to encourage others to do so. And, if you find freedom in keeping your body clear of markings, do not judge your brother or sister for their liberty. Generally, though, the principles in the Bible should give one strong pause before permanently altering your body; be sure that you are at peace with the body God gave to you (Psalms 139) before messing with it.
NOW – the real point of this blog: Misuse of scripture bad! This tendency we all have of finding a verse here or a verse there to support our own agenda can go terribly wrong. Tattoos are the least troublesome of ways we spin God’s word. We must diligently guard against such misuse on any topic by taking serious the study of Holy Scripture. We must seek to know the nature of God and the good news that is the consistent thread throughout the whole Bible. Context matters. We must approach scripture by prayerfully asking God to reveal His truth to us when we open His word so that we seek His agenda rather than our own.
I have made many mistakes and I have suffered many misunderstandings of scripture over my walk with God. No one is immune. And, because the adversary seeks to take truth and shift it a few degrees in all of us, I remind myself with this post to never be too comfortable or complacent in what I believe the Bible is speaking to me. I have read the Bible through several times in a few different versions. Each time I read it, I gain new insights revealed by the Holy Spirit. In short, make diligent study of the word of God. More importantly, those who teach the word must be even more rigorous with their handling of the word and never let it be casual.
Sans Tache 