Michael F. Chandler| For the Victorville Daily Press
Some years ago, I was asked to provide the Bible’s “opinion” on the subject of tattoos. What was once somewhat uncommon in the local community surrounds us these days. I find it appropriate to revisit this subject and challenge readers to consider the contexts of biblical teaching on the subject as well as potential costs they may incur for submitting themselves to this cultural trend.
Body modification takes on many forms today. Victor Valley tattoo and body-piercing shops feature award-winning artists. Cosmetic surgeons provide the latest technology for breast augmentation, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, fat transference and wrinkle removal. If one believes he has too much hair, the unwanted excess can be removed with a laser; on the other hand, if his hairline recedes, radio advertisers promise to solve that problem, too. More and more our culture tells us: Have your poor excuse for a body improved by artists, surgeons and drugs so you can look better and be accepted by your peers.
But what does God think of body modification?
First, the Bible forbids tattoos for religious reasons. Leviticus 19:28 says, “You shall not make cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” These prohibitions were done in honor of the dead, to propitiate their sins or gain the attention of a god (cf. 1 Kings 18:28). Tattoos bearing the names or images of idols were a permanent sign of apostasy.
Second, the above prohibition identifies a broader concern: Honor the body, which is God’s. Since the Lord created the body (Gen 2:7; Ps 139:13-16), alteration of his creation was not man’s choice to make. Paul speaks to this in 1 Thessalonians 4:4, “that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles, who do not know God.” This verse thus prohibits using one’s body in ways commonly practiced by unbelievers. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 reminds us that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and is to be so honored.
Third, though the body is good, its beauty is passing. Proverbs 31 praises the woman who puts God first in her life, rather than physical beauty. Verse 29 states, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” While the Bible would not judge against modest uses of makeup or medically required surgery, let’s face it: Age and death catch up with each of us, so body modification is certainly no fountain of youth.
Here are some practical questions we can ask ourselves before deciding on any such course of action:
Have you considered God’s view? Why do you want to modify your body? Will modifying your body only amount to changing the cover of an old book? Are you afraid of looking old or uncool? Why? Would you ever be ashamed of your body in the future? Would a tattoo preclude work opportunities? Would you be expected to wear long sleeves all day? What might a future spouse think of it? Are you being shortsighted about the implications? Would you recommend body modification to your kids? Have you evaluated all the possible health risks?
Once, walking through the twisted little streets of Kowloon in Hong Kong, a man came upon a tattoo studio. In the window were displayed images of available body art. On the chest or arms, one could have tattooed an anchor, flag, mermaid or whatever. But most forceful were three words that could be branded on one’s flesh: Born to lose.
The astonished man entered the shop and, pointing to those words, asked the proprietor, “Does anyone really have that terrible phrase tattooed on his body?” The proprietor replied, “Yes, sometimes.” “But,” he said, “I just can’t believe that anyone in his right mind would do that.” The proprietor tapped his forehead and said, “Before there is a tattoo on the body, there is a tattoo on the mind.”
Christians are expected to present their bodies to God as living and holy sacrifices, renewing our minds to know and prove what is his perfect will for our lives (Rom 12:1-2). May God so bless our every decision and preserve our bodies complete and blameless until Jesus returns (1 Thess 5:23-24).
Pastor Chandler serves Victor Valley Bible Church, 16439 Hughes Road, Victorville. Services are held Sundays at 10:15 a.m. and live-streamed on Facebook. He also broadcasts a weekly devotional, “The Bible on Our Day.” For more information, visit VictorValleyBibleChurch.org or email the pastor at bibletrom@gmail.com.
