Friday, September 16, 2011

Tattoos




Last night my wife and I went out for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Our young waiter, a very nice young man, had a bible verse tattooed down the length of his right arm. His verse reference was 1 Corinthians 16:13 "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." We asked if he knew the verse (since he just had the verse reference as his tattoo) and he immediately recited it. It was obvious this verse was important to him and part of his life.




I see a lot of people with bible references as tattoos. I can't wait to ask, "why that verse, what does it mean to you, how has that verse so impressed you that you wanted it as a permanent reminder?"




In the old days we used to memorize the verses, now we are getting them tattooed in visible places as a reminder and as a witness. For other Christians it will open up a discussion. For those who are not Christians it will generate a discussion about what it means and why it's important to you. It's a very interesting development in the Christian community and frankly I like it.




So, here's the quiz for the day. This will be easy for some of you because you have already done this, but if you were to get one verse as a tattoo reference what would it be and why? Why would that verse be something you have or would want as a permanet reminder of the words of that passage?




13 comments:

Brent said...

I already have Micah 6:8 on my left wrist...pretty much says it all if you're asking me.

Robyn Rochelle E. said...

Luke 10:27...
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

Guess that, like Brent says: "pretty much says it all if you're asking me."

Good exercise, good question!

rice said...

Habakkuk 2:4 would be a good one to keep in sight.

Justin said...

Mine is still Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created". As one with a penchant for the scientific and logical explanation of things, that verse still starts it all for me and is the foundation. I find it takes much more faith to believe in being a giant cosmic roll of the dice as opposed to an intelligent and thoughtful creator.

Larry Burns, Jr. said...

Ephesians 4:15

Because I too often hear of the "love" being left out.

It is also a one clause in the middle of a long sentence which speaks to how the church can function in a healthy manner.

Larry

Mike Messerli said...

Here's a comment from my friend, Lauren, that she left on Facebook. I wanted you to see it here as well. Thanks, Lauren.

"I have Romans 8:38-39 tattooed on the arch of my foot. It's the verse I stand on (literally!) because it reminds me that no matter what I do, or what I have done, God will never ever ever stop loving me. The shame that comes with my sins are not enough to seperate me."

Deidra said...

Phil 4:6 This brought me back to Christ years ago & is a great reminder everyday.

Schweers' Mom said...

Eph. 2:10. I love that I am God's Masterpiece and I never want to forget that. Wish I had discovered that verse when I was a teen! (I have it engraved on a bracelet, my iPad and my running ID band - just the reference, not the verse).

Unknown said...

isnt this like treating God's Word vainly?just askin.

Mike Messerli said...

Farida,

Great question! For some it might be considered so, but for others it can be a way to show the world what they believe and be sincere. I think your question is one that needs to be asked, why are they doing this and what are they trying to communicate? Is it treating God's word vainly? The tattoo by itself, no. If you think highly of a scripture passage that you want it as a permanent reminder it shows a high respect for the scripture, it's valuable to you. BUT, realize that this is very much a cultural thing. In our culture right now tattoos are very accepted. In your culture it may be unacceptable to have a tattoo. Culture will, in many cases, change how we view the same thing so you will have to evaluate that based on the culture you live in there, ok?

Heidi said...

Psalm 91:4

I find this verse so comforting, because sometimes I feel like a helpless baby bird, and knowing that God will be there to protect me is so amazing! I would get the tattoo with a design to go with the verse.

Ruthie said...

I'm getting Proverbs 4:18 tattooed on my wrist. It's the verse that pulled me through when I had no hope. During my darkest night.
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day". Whatever I'm going through, Jesus is the light of my life and one day I will see Him and meet Him face to face. That day is the day that the light will shine in all its glory. I need to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus.

Anonymous said...

I actually have 3 verses tattoed. I have 1 corinthians 13 because on my left wrist. It was the verse read at my wedding and thats why it is on my left wrist.

I have Isaiah 41:13 on my right wrist "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;I will help you.". It reminds me that even when life is hard and it scares me God is holding my hand and helping me.

Finally I have Jeremiah 29:11 on my inner elbow. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It helps me when im starting to lose faith in life and think i dont have a purpose in life (i had a really bad depression and even if im ok right now its a day to day sruggle).