I've followed along with the suggestion made in other thread about a certain tattoo that could conceivably be used as a conversation starter for Christian witness. I've also followed along (in a lurker style) as that suggestion sponsored other ideas in the minds of our membership. One spoke of a fancy car and likened it to a symbol that is commonly used in the world to depict success. "Hey, be a rock-star like me..." that sort of thing. Perhaps the two thoughts touch each other because they both deal with appearances and the expression of heart matters.
I've also noticed another comment about certain designs that many tattoos may be seen to reflect. Where is the balance? Might we consider the conscience of a brother who could be stumbled as we display our freedom? That seems a noble thing, but where is the balance? Could we not consider something that the Bible does speak about? I'm talking New Testament here. Things that were taught. Things like rings. What are we to do or not do when we see a man come into the assembly of the saints who wears a symbol of wealth or authority? Are we to give preference to him and become a respecter of persons? Clearly no, we are not.
But are we to lock our doors and prevent that man's entrance? Should we act to prevent any who have something that is not perfectly in line with our current understanding of the ideal from coming to the One who Heals? I'm not trying to say that the rich can not be saved, not saying that a ring speaks louder than what rings out from his heart as God considers him. Can we drive a car when others starve? May we eat meat? Would it not be better to give all we have and follow closely as the Spirit leads? Perhaps? Is that required? Some may come and say with total conviction, "Yes! Absolutely! Look here at the Book of Opinions as I cite chapter and verse.
Others may come and advocate tasteful tattoos, designed to bring and give glory and honor to God. Still others may resist and say, "Nay! This is not for me, because of these reasons." But really? All need to remove their sandals and trust God and The Holy Spirit to their work, trust Jesus, who is seen to be knocking at our door, saying, "If any open the door and invite me in, I shall come and shall dine with him."
I have another flock, saith the Lord. This said to the Children who had a history of exile. This said to those who had an ear to hear. Today, my thought includes the ministry that we have to the heathen, also called the nations. It is not a service but a disservice to misrepresent the One who said, "Come to me, all ye who are burdened..." and pretend or to say, "It is a message of condemnation to the nations..." That is not what I hear. Not what we preach.
Is it good to give regard to the law, as a shadow of things to come? It is indeed. Is it wrong to use the law as a barrier (and I know of none who are doing this or are seeking this) to prevent the good news from reaching others? It is. That is exactly why care is needed. There is a message being taught, a lesson, and it has something to do with what Cain complained about, "What? Am I my brother's keeper?"
Yes. That is the design that is to be tattooed onto our hearts. Inscribed onto our palms - the Names of our brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus our Lord.