I don't have any tattoos nor do I have any piercings. I've thought about it many times, even designed a couple of tattoos that would be cool, but I still haven't found anything that I want permanently attached to my body. My tastes have changed over time and what I thought about a few years ago is very different from what I think about today. So I keep talking myself out of it.
There's something intriguing about a tattoo. They each tell a story. I've watched several shows on TV lately about the tattoo culture that is quickly moving into the main stream. The people getting inked are doing so for many reasons, to mark a memory, to remember a loved one, to reveal a faith, to honor a commitment. And I have to say, I've been moved by their stories. It's not to say that I agree that this is the best way to mark these life events, but there is a deep emotional/spiritual purpose in them.
I also recognize that to receive a tattoo is to undergo a great deal of pain. Tattoos require a sacrifice of skin, of time, of money, of a permanent symbol that says something about who you are or what you have been through. And the fact that so many are doing it today makes me think that what the church requires is too easy, isn't painful enough, isn't telling the whole truth!
When I look back on the Gospel story I find that Jesus called us to great sacrifice, suffering, pain. What Jesus expects of His followers is radical discipleship, or in simpler terms, to live like he did; no-holds-barred love, grace, mercy, compassion, generosity, patience, kindness, you know, the real radical stuff you can't just get from everyone in society. And this stuff takes real commitment.
It may not come as a tattoo, but this commitment has been marked on us. "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, The Message) Baptism is like our tattoo. It marks a commitment, honors Christ, and is a sign to the world who we are and who we follow. It's a sign that we are supposed to wear with pride (the good kind, without any shame). It's not to be covered up or hidden but displayed for the world to see, no not our baptismal certificate, but the life that was affected by it.
We're marked by Christ, bought with a great price. Be proud of that. It says you are Christ's, forever!
Peace ><>
PC
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2 comments:
Right on with God, he is our mark. To me especially the tatoos that cover so much of your body is for show not to many for memories. They think they are being macho. We can and do go through pain in other ways for Christ. Just by being a Christian brings pain when you stand for Christ, because there are so many people that judge because you are a Christian.
I love my tattoo, and I will always want more. But the one I have reminds me daily "whose" I am, and how I am to live my life. It's like my mom and dad used to say, "Remember who you are and who you represent" To me, my tattoo is an outer mark of my inner being.
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