I had asked my brother to design this tattoo, um, I think at least 3 years ago and he finally finished it last month. This is one of many. I already have them all mapped out.
A co-worker and I were talking about it one day and when another co-worker came up (who happens to be a preacher) and over heard me talking about it. He asked me, "how does Jesus feel about it?" I shrugged him off and just replied. "I don't think he cares or he would have told me by now."
This guy then went on to tell me that he can show me in the Bible, scriptures that speak (not directly) about tattooing.
I asked him if he has a bank account, which he replied "yes." I told him that I could show him a scripture where JESUS specifically said not to store up treasures for yourself here on earth.
He backed down and laughed it off. He said that I was right and that it was based on traditions more then anything. He said if he had a tattoo that he wouldn't be able to preach in his denomination.
Sad, isn't it? We have become so consumed by what is on the outside of someone and ourselves, that we forget that the way we see each other, is not the same way that God does. Why then do we have higher standards then God?!
It takes me back to the book of Acts, when they Disciples didn't know if the Gentiles should be circumcised or uncircumcised. Typically, Jewish culture called for them to be circumcised. Some new Christians taught that you HAD to be circumcised to be saved. This did not fair well with Paul and Barnabas. (Acts 15)
They both went to ended up going to Jerusalem to talk to the Apostles about the matter. It came down to it that it is by grace alone that we are saved and that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, even without being circumcised. This confirmed that circumcision was not important.
It seems that no matter what point the church has been at, whether it be new or old, there are always individuals that want to force others to look a certain way.
I don't recall Jesus telling the disciples to change their ways then follow Him. No, he just instructed them to follow Him, then and there, as they were.
I have heard so many times, people preaching about"being who God wants you to be." He said that if he were who God had intended him to be, he'd be naked. Meaning, the fall of man would never had taken place.
This makes sense. It might be a bit extreme, but it makes perfect sense. We can never truly become who God had intended us to be because of the fall of man. However, that does not mean that He doesn't have other intentions for us now.
We need to strive to be those called by God and a light that shines bright in this dark world. Not worrying about the physical appearance of a man, but the inward appearance. I mean, if it is good enough for Jesus, it should be good enough for us.
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