Tattoo

To tattoo or not to tattoo? 

This was a question Sophia (not her real name), who had always wanted one, asked herself.

A Christian, she had read Leviticus 19:28, “Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos. I am the Lord."

But in context, she thought, this specifically referred to the pagan religious rituals then. God only prohibited His chosen people from heathen worship and witchcraft so they will not be led away from Him.
 
After having resolved the issue in her mind, Sophia had her wrist tattooed with the letter “S” surrounded with flowers.

A few weeks later, however, her father fell gravely ill and needed blood transfusion immediately. Sophia’s blood type was a perfect match. Unfortunately, the doctor turned her away because she just had a tattoo. 

Sophia wept bitterly, feeling profusely guilty for her act.

To tattoo or not to tattoo?

This is a personal choice. But a question we may ask ourselves before we decide is, “Will my decision give glory to God?”

(Based on an entry in my book, Grace@Work, a devotional for the workplace,  to be launched in September.)