For the Christians reading these forums that are thinking of getting a tattoo, please take the time to read the below response I (tandemcpl) made in another thread. As posted earlier in this thread I have several large tattoos, all of which I acquired before giving my life to Jesus at the age of 52.
I disagree that tattoos can be a good witness tool. All of mine have been nothing but a hindrance to me. Following is why I feel this way.
Imagine if you will that each one of us is a large window made up of many smaller panes of glass. On one side of the window are Jesus and His glorious light and on the other side the darkness of the world. I would like to believe that all my panes are crystal clear and the light of God shining through is blindingly strong; however, unfortunately that is not the case. At times I struggle in my walk, and that clouds some of the smaller pieces of glass and blocks some of God’s light. However, I know that as God sanctifies me my window will grow clearer.
There are, however, several small panes that will never be completely clear, and those are the panes that have been painted over with tattoos. Tattoos are of the world and will always be seen that way. Non-believers that see my tattoos automatically think I am one of them and act accordingly around me. The same thing happens with fellow Christians. They see my tattoos and think I am of the world. With both groups I have to scrape away at the paint to let God’s light shine through to reveal the new creation I have become. This is an ongoing process because once I encounter new individuals; I have to start scraping all over again.
In my opinion, any tattoo, no matter the reason, will permanently paint over part of one’s window blocking God’s light, and to effectively witness to others we need as much of God’s light shining as possible.
If you don’t feel you have the ability to witness to others, please don’t use worldly practices to help you. Don’t paint over your glass, instead, fall on your knees and pray to God for the strength and courage to approach others boldly in His Name.
Be blessed.
Toby – AKA - Tandemcpl