I would hope that most of my readers understand my heart — that I fully know my desperation for Jesus and I long to live my life as an authentic overflow of His Spirit within.
I fail all the time. But He still calls me “daughter” and “righteous” and “holy” and all those words that send me to my knees in gratitude. So yes, I love Jesus with imperfect abandon. AND…I like tattoos. Sorry, mom.
It’s true. My artistic side appreciates the ink, especially when it points to the Maker of heaven and earth.
But there’s an obvious tension. The one place where I feel most uncomfortable about liking (or having) tattoos is in the church. And something about that concerns me. Especially after meeting Chad.
I dare say that many church-goers would see the words “pure hell” and “atheist pride” tattooed on his body and be tempted to judge. Yet Chad has an amazing story of Jesus’ redemptive power and matchless grace.
The way he puts it, he once was lost, proud, and gun-carrying. He spent a decade behind bars and years denying the existence of the Creator. Until God said, “Awake, my son!” And he’s never been the same.
The scales fell from his eyes and he grasped the love and grace of Jesus. Now he pursues His God as a husband, father, and…tattoo artist. That’s right. And he’s burdened for the Bride of Christ.
“The church is so quick to judge preferences rather than sin. We as brothers and sisters are supposed to hold each other accountable to righteous living. We’re supposed to look at ourselves and each other through the filter of Scripture. But when we point fingers over preferences — like tattoos or piercings or hair color — we divide what God intends to be united.” Wisdom.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Matthew 7:1-2
I asked him what he thought the church should or could do to see revival break out in God’s people. Without any hesitation he said, “Pray for persecution. When people are forced to take a side, the true church will rise up.”
So what does this have to do with you, and me? It’s a call to live free from judgment. If we’re the church — under the continual grace of Jesus — then the burden of love rests on our shoulders. Love humbly confronts the sin of a brother, but it doesn’t judge people on preferences. Dare we cast stones at those He commanded us to serve.
Every person on the planet is in process. You. Me. The religious elite. And the guy tattooed from head to toe. Freedom comes for us when we simply love each other where we’re at. When we walk beside each other, praying for one another and esteeming the other higher than ourselves. It’s what reflects Jesus.
Fill me, Lord…
What do you think the church could or should do to spur on authenticity?
This is a good topic, Lara. I agree that we should not judge based on appearance…. tattoos, hair, piercings, etc. But we also need to be careful not to judge on the more subtle things….if we go trick-or-treating with our neighbors, which missionary we support, or what school our children attend. Let’s walk the talk, fellow Christians in ALL areas!
Some things are hills upon which to die — like salvation by grace alone through faith alone. Some things are not — like tattoos and schools. Praying the world is drawn to Jesus through the love we have for one another. Bless you, sister.
love this!!!!
I love this post….and Jesus!. And I like tattoos too 😉
🙂
Love love love this!!!!!!!! I so agree!!!
I love Jesus and I like tattoos and piercings. I just don’t have any because I am a big chicken – don’t like needles and they are kinda involved in getting both of those things. As a church planter – I wear jeans to church. When I came back east and went to my old church – I had comments from several friends about this. My response was wear whatever you are comfortable wearing, but if someone comes in wearing jeans – at least one other person will be too – so hopefully they will feel more at ease. I love that we have fellow believers who have tattoos and piercings – so that they have that covered.
Oh, Lara! I used to have issues with tattoos. Used to judge. Then, I met some wonderful, God-fearing people who have them. My pastor has them. And I’m okay with that. I thought my judgement was gone. Until… until my husband made it known that he wanted one. When he said it, something ugly welled up inside of me. Something that tells me it’s not okay. I know that something is wrong, and it’s not okay that I feel this, but I do. Fill ME Lord, I pray!
With every new personality added to the Church, our beauty grows. It is the best way to show that Christ brings unity and peace. It makes me kinda misty.
My husband is a pastor (and a cop!) and has two tattoos 🙂 Great post!
Lara, I give this article two thumbs up. Why? Because I love Jesus, I been a Christian for 20 years now and I love tats. I got my first few tats in my early 20’s, before accepting Jesus Christ and initially regretted getting them and shared with others my findings about tattoos in Leviticus, “the law or old covenant”. And somewhere along the way in my journey I embraced His grace, the new covenant, and His mind-boggling unconditional love