You might think that tattoos are a recent phenomenon. Not true. The ancient Romans would tattoo (or brand) slaves and criminals. Later, during the fourth century AD a Christian sect called the Montanists tattooed themselves as slaves of God (Revelation 7:2-3). And Coptic Christians have been tattooing crosses and other symbols on their hands for more than 1,200 years. Many Coptic (Egyptian) Christian villagers still sport cross tattoos today. For them, the tattoo reflects their commitment to Jesus, whose scars will forever be reminders of His sacrifice for us (John 20:19-28).
Paul, in Romans 6, reveals what should be the mark of a true believer in Jesus today. “We are no longer slaves to sin,” he wrote (v.6). Unlike the slaves branded by the Romans, giving them a permanent identity as a criminal, believers in Jesus choose to be “a slave of Christ Jesus” (1:1). Jesus transforms us from the inside out and calls us to “live new lives” that show “we were set free from the power of sin” (6:7).
As we turn from sin and embrace the holy life to which Christ calls us, we bring glory to Him and present a picture of what Christianity is all about. Paul put it this way: “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives” (v.6).
Whether or not tattoos of a cross are a good idea may be a disputable matter. But all of us who are true believers in Jesus will reveal our faith in Him by turning from sin. He has broken the power of sin over us, setting us free to live “for the glory of God” (v.10).
You don’t have to get a tattoo to show your faith. A life of pure devotion to Jesus, radiating His power to resist sin, will show the world you belong to Him.
More:
Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God (1 John 3:9).
Next:
How well are you living out your identity as a slave of Jesus and no longer a slave to sin? What needs to change?
kewi on April 23, 2010 at 9:29 am
Ted, as a person who has been divorced, I sympathize with you. I have learned a valuable lesson in life and will share it with you.
Proverbs 3:6 , In ALL ways acknowledge Him and HE WILL direct your paths.
I have had to use this in my second marriage as well with my children. And the good news is God will direct your paths, sometimes we do not see it at first, but if we ( important) acknowledge Him, He comes through for us.
I will pray for you.
Soldier4Christ on April 23, 2010 at 10:25 am
Ted, I too have been through a divorce, you are not alone in the feelings that your dealing with. The only advice that I can give is that if you haven’t already, then go to God in prayer and give yourself over to Him totally. Open every part of your life up to Him in sincerity and He will help you. Remember, He knew us before we were born and he knew that we would sin and He sent His only Son to calvary to die for those sins. His love for us is so great that it is beyond that which we can imagine. I know that I had to admit to myself and to God that I am not able to do anything with out Him and the strength that He is able to provide, Ted our God is able and if you ask He will help you. Just pray that God’s will be done in every situation and then rest in His infinite love.
I too will pray for you and your family.
F.O.C.U.S. on April 23, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Hi Ted.
I’m so sorry to hear about your circumstances – that is hard indeed. I don’t wish to repeat the good advce you have received already except to say that I wanted to separate from my wife (a great Christian) last year as I struggled with an overpowering sin in my life. Putting that sin to death and remembering who I really am (Gal2:20) has been the hardest thing I have EVER had to do. It has taken years.
Looking back, my wife’s constant (and undeserving) love to me -which often irritated me at the time – is now something that gives me hope.
Don’t underestimate the effect of a godly example on a mate – even when it seems like that example is being trampled upon. My wife persevered by being godly (Thank God) and the Lord has slowly, painfully and finally answered her prayers. Our marriage still requires daily attention (as all good marriages do) but I believe it is stronger now than it has ever been.
I know the temptation to focus exclusively inwards is so real, but I hope you will resist this and examine yourself, your wife and your marriage in the light of God’s sufficient Word
May you and your family all know God’s abundant and loving grace at this difficult time.
cjskal on April 23, 2010 at 8:09 am
When I think of someone who truly has a “tattoo” of Christ on them, I think of my mom. She has been through so much, and she is far from being perfect, but she is so determined and perseveres through trials of all kinds. A few years ago, her and my dad separated for six months. This was really scary for me and my three younger sisters. I had sensed that things were getting tense between my parents, but I never thought it would come to a separation. And when they told us that my dad would be moving out for a while, I thought for sure that it would lead to a divorce.
But it didn’t….My mom was the one who took the initiative to go see a Christian marriage counselor. She eventually convinced my dad to come with her, too. Through those long, tense months of separation, my parents were able to get all their issues out in the open in the safe haven of the counselor’s office. There were so many hidden hurts and secret assumptions that needed to be brought to the surface. They were able to see how the other person was feeling and what they could do to help acknowledge those feelings.
I just wanted to tell you, Ted, that there is hope. The key is communication, with God, with your family, with your kids.