Are tattoos a sin

                               Are tattoos a sin?

No where in the Bible does it mention that a tattoo is a sin. Naturally allot of us were taught this by well meaning Christians. However, on the contrary this is not the case!

Let’s take a look at this verse that is often misquoted .

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.

As we read this we can clearly see that it is talking about cutting and tattoo marks for the dead! This was something that the pagans would do in their rituals and God did not want the Hebrews to practice the  rituals of the pagans. God had set His people aside as His chosen people, they were not to serve other false gods!  Everything we do and say should honor God.

Now let’s take a look at more of these verses…

Leviticus 19:26-28
26 ‘You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying. 27 You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. 28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.

Again, we can see that the above verses were addressing, Pagan worship and not the worshiping of God Himself.

Nevertheless, if your thinking about getting a tattoo think of these reason on why it may not be the right choice for you.

Is the tattoo honoring God? 

Remember the Bible tells us to do everything unto the Lord.

(Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.It is the Lord Christ you are serving.)

How will a tattoo affect my ministry of reaching people for Christ?

 Paul said it so very well here. We have our freedom in Christ to live freely, but that freedom should not be taken lightly. If it is not helpful or benefiting the gospel, put wisdom first in what we do with our freedom. Remember the world is watching.

(1 Corinthians 6:12
12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any)

Will it cause my brother or sister in Christ to stumble ? 

Remember we are to walk and hold others in consideration of the freedom that we have .

(1 Corinthians 8:9
But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.)

Have I sought this out in prayers?

God will direct our path in whatever direction we are trying to go. Pray and seek God on his wisdom on tattoos that are appropriate.

(Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.)

And last remember your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body [a]and in your spirit, which are God’s.)