This is where the Lord has brought me. When I gave my life to him 3 years ago I let him make me a new person. He told me to not be of the world so I let go the worldly ways I was so entrenched in.
I gave up all of the things I used to fit in an ungodly world such as infidelity, porn, drinking, and tattoos.
You wrote, “How do we know what the Holy Spirit will choose to use? God has promised to bless His Word; and we surely can't restrict the type of ink.”
I can’t speak for anyone else but the test I use to make sure it is the Holy Spirit and not my flesh putting thoughts in my head is to weigh it against scripture.
Here are just a few examples from the bible:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1
“Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” 2 Cor. 7:1
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33
And of course, one of my all time favorites from Paul:
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2
There are many more but I think you get my point.
I don’t expect you and I will agree so this post is mainly for the young in Christ who might be struggling with this issue. I would hate to see any brother or sister get a tattoo only to regret their discussion later, like I do.
Be Blessed.
Toby