Tramp Stamp at Church Camp

[LDM]

A neighborhood friend of my children is attending camp at her Word of Faith church this summer. Yesterday, she came home with temporary tattoos on her body that were placed on her by camp staff. Apparently, the staff had great fun placing the tattoos on the children and of course the children thought it was "Cool."

This particular girl is twelve years old and had a tattoo on her forearm, on her leg, and at the base of her spine. This whole incident was wrong on so many levels that I don't even know where to begin.

Many people ignore the biblical warnings against getting tattoos.

"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:28

We see tattoos on the landscape like never before. 20 years ago, it was a rare occurrence. Now it is all over the place.

Yet the historical use of tattoos amongst ancient peoples has been as a means of dedication unto false gods. www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fhlJzORjO8

Even if God's prohibition against tattoos is not enough to move someone, when would it be appropriate for an adult to be exposing and touching the base of a young girl's spine in order to imprint the tattoo? Even in what calls itself the church, there is a loss of what is decent and Godly. We are teaching children to be without discretion even from a young age.

Surely the church members who placed this tattoo on the base of this young girl's spine knew that this is commonly called a "tramp stamp". And did the parents have any issues with these tattoos? No.

In the news today was the story of another teen who had 56 stars tattooed on the side of her face. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31400926/ns/world_news-weird_news/

The "artist" who did the tattoos for is himself covered in tattoos from head to toe and also have extravagant piercings all over his body.

Walking on the streets today, one might think they are walking amongst the tribes of some of the most remote peoples on earth. As man achieves great advances in technology and science, we continue to take leap years back in civilization and morality. The countenance of man reveals what is really in the heart. Idolatry and the compromise of the church has turned this into a pagan nation, and now it is merely being manifested for all to see.

We must teach our children to walk in the old pathways of righteousness in spite of what they see being done by their friends in the world. It is so important that we teach them to esteem the things of God; for their own sakes and that of their generation.

The choice is theirs to make regarding whom they will serve, but let's continue to uphold a Godly example.

"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." Jeremiah 6:16

[newstartnow]

If I had only listened to my mom!

I got a tattoo at 19. During my youth people in the church told us it was wrong but never explained why.

Now I regret it. I only got my initials on my ankle, but I cover it 99.5% of the time. I don't want to glorify it by showing it.

I wish I could get it removed. While the tattoo itself is not demonic, I wonder about the person who drew the tattoo.

Oddly, I had another believer tell me I was being legalistic because covering the tattoo limits me to certain clothing (no capris pants or knee length skirts-unless with dark hose).

What are your thoughts?

[LDM]

I agree that a Godly perspective would be to not glory in the tattoo. Tattoos are usually a source of pride for those who get them. You want to show them off and want people to notice them. In light of God's direction, if I had one, I too would seek to cover it.

Does that mean never wearing capris, shorts, swim suits, skirts, etc.? I personally would not say so, but I say "personally" because I believe it is a very personal decision.

For example, you have the tattoo. It is there now. God doesn't want us to glory in things we have done in ignorance, but neither are we to be in bondage to them.

If you were to wear capris, would the reason be that you want to show off your tattoo? If you put on a knee-length skirt, are you doing it so that people will notice your tattoo? So you see, it really is a matter of the heart. It is a matter of your intent before God.

You see a mark on your body, a reminder of something you wished you had not done, but don't take that as condemnation. I hope that you know and take to heart God's promise that, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12

Again, I would say to take this to the Lord for direction on what you personally should do. Having a tattoo that is sometimes visible does not mean you are glorying in it. It could also be used as an opportunity to witness to others, to share with them the knowledge you have attained on how God feels about the matter.

Now, some might read this and say, "Yeah, I am not covering my tattoo because I want to use it to minister." LOL I am not saying that. People who are still proud of their tattoos will find any reason for exposing them.

I am saying that - while our goal should be discretion - God can use anything, including what we have been through, to reach others. It is amazing for example how many people don't know that God prohibits tattoos. My own stepfather and a young neighbor of ours were shocked when we told them that.

[newstartnow]

I knew it was prohibited because my mother told me it was, but I never read the scripture for myself (at that time I honestly didn't care).

Now I have read it and I do know it is demonic.

I try to cover it when possible. I feel like capris are only 1/2 inch from being regular trousers, so not wearing them isn't a problem.
I don't wear shorts or swim suits for other reasons. If I have an event and can only find a knee length skirt/dress I will go ahead and wear it but definitely not to show off my tattoo. I try to wear dark hose or at least position my legs so that it isn't exposed the entire time.

I don't feel like I'm in bondage. I've been in bondage before (not wearing pants at all because that's what the church taught) and I know what it feels like.