The OT Scripture speaks about marking our bodies ... but it puts in a proviso, that we do not mark as the heathen do, right? Let's look. I don't have it memorized and others are welcome to contribute if I've missed something (which is likely).
DISCLAIMER: I don't know Kevin but Google does:
Kevin Hardy article said:
"What does the Bible say about Tattoos/Body Piercings?"
The Old Testament law commanded the Israelites, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.” Lev. 19:28 So even though believers today are not under the OT law (Rom. 10:4; Gal 3:23-25; Eph. 2:15), the fact remains that there was a command against tattoos should raise some questions. The NT does not say anything about whether or not a believer should get a tattoo or piercing.
Most Bible commentaries indicate that the prohibition against tattoos and piecing in the OT had to do with idolatry. The Israelites were called to be a Holy people in a covenant relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Tattoos were used as a way to identify the one being marked as belonging to a false “god”. God did not want His people to adopt any religious practices from other false religions. The marking for His people would be circumcision of all males. This would identify his people externally. By the way, the NT goes deeper than the flesh, by encouraging the circumcision of the heart. Paul says, “In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,” Col. 2:11
Although the NT does not condemn tattoos or body piercing like the OT, it is clear from other scriptures that the issue has more to do with the heart than the tattoo. The NT clearly states, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Cor. 6:19-20 This principle teaches us that we should constantly evaluate what we are doing to our bodies physically, as well as mentally and emotionally. Does the tattoo or piercing honor God? If our bodies belong to God, we should make sure we have His clear “permission” before we “mark them up” with tattoos or body piercing.
ONE PRACTICAL (Pragmatic?) APPLICATION:
Approximately 12 days ago, I went to the doctor's office to seek treatment for a cyst that has been getting bigger for the last four months. The doctor probed it with a needle and prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics. About six days ago the cyst on my neck opened up after I had taken a bath and began to drain on its own. I called the doctor's office and advised them telling them that I would like to keep my appointment and have the doctor lance it.
During the course of the antibiotics I had spoken with my son, as is my habit, and let him know what was going on with his dad. He knows how my mind works and gave me his unsolicited assurance,
"Dad? You know that you can't hurt God by killing germs." I smiled at his little joke and agreed.
When I kept my appointment the doctor (who also knows me very well) entered the waiting area and simply said,
"Do you want me to cut you?" I signed the consent forms, indemnifying him and stated that I was giving my 'informed consent' and upon review that all medical procedures and all necessary equipment was at hand, he did what is called an "I & D" (Incision and Drainage) procedure. He packed the wound and told me to make an appointment in two days (yesterday) to have the wound unpacked and dressed.
Okay, I know it's gonna leave a scar. And further, I know that this "body piercing" is going to leave a greater (larger) scar than a simple incision because it was kept open for drainage for that 2 day period. Yesterday, I had my son do me a favor and we unpacked it and dressed it ourselves. No worries, we are well equipped and able. I called and canceled the appointment at the office just because I'm too tight with money and recently have had to tighten my belt to the point that it squeaks.
Now, what about me marking my body? Am I given an exemption or a "get out of jail free" card? What would Jesus say? Would he not just lay hands or do whatever it was that the Spirit Holy told him to do? Is He not real to me?
What is that judgment that may be applied to one brother and not to another? Let's be sure that we do not judge by our ears, do not judge by our eyes, but that we make righteous judgments. That's what I hear when I read the bible and that's what I hope everybody may say "amen" to.
