Tattoos and the Believer

[A young man, choosing to remain anonymous, shares his story with Mustard Way.]

From a young age, I’ve been drawn to body art, even though I knew it could be painful.

I always had this perception that for many people, tattoos hold deep meaning and tell personal stories.

I grew up in a strict Presbyterian home in Enugu, Nigeria.

Religion meant a lot to my parents, especially my father, who strongly disliked tattoos.

When I was 17, a new guy moved into our neighborhood.

His right arm had a large eagle tattoo on the side, along with a few other designs. I was fascinated by how it looked.

Even though my father didn’t like tattoos, I thought they were beautiful.

I wanted the freedom to make my own choices, and I already had ideas about what I would like to draw on my arm.

My parents believed tattoos brought evil spirits, but I felt that idea was old-fashioned.

Still, I stayed true to my desire to express myself through body art. I didn’t want anyone to control my choices.

In the end, I’ve come to realize that I don’t need others’ experiences to shape my story; the lessons from my own choices are enough.

I’m a Christian and I have a Tattoo

As a Christian, people often ask about my tattoos.

I get questions like, “If you’re a true Believer, why’d you get inked?”

When I think back on my decision, I can’t say I’m proud of it.

At 23, after finishing a 5-year course in the university and finally moving into my own place, away from my parents and their strict spirituality, I went to a tattoo parlor.

That day, I had scary skeletons inked on my back. Their fiery eyes and goat horns stretched down both my arms.

For a while, the images haunted me.

I’ve come to see that tattoos often reflect what we value.

At that point in my life, I was drawn to the occult. It fascinated me, and I let that influence my choice.

But with time, I began to understand how certain tattoos, especially ones tied to darkness, can be linked to witchcraft and evil spirits.

No matter the reason we get them, some symbols carry meanings that invite unwanted influences.

They speak of ownership over the body.

I just wanted to look cool, to walk down the street like that neighbor I saw at 17, and have people admire my broad chest, back, and arms.

But sadly, that’s not quite how things turned out.

Going Deeper

For months, I had nightmares where the creatures from my tattoo chased me endlessly.

I’d wake up drenched in sweat, my heart pounding.

Regret started to eat at me.

I kept thinking about the choices I made and wished I had chosen differently.

Even though my father had always been harsh in his views about tattoos, deep down, I started to wonder if he had a point.

Over time, I’ve received all kinds of reactions to my tattoos.

Some people compliment them. Others, not so much.

I remember one woman who said they looked like “hideous bruises.”

Her words stayed with me.

Some ask what the tattoos mean, expecting a deep answer. But when I explain the truth, they look disappointed.

I’ve been insulted, called names.

People have said my tattoos are ugly, trashy, or make me look like a criminal.

And honestly, I get it. I understand why they think that way.

Turning Things Around

Despite deeply regretting my decision to cover much of my skin with tattoos, I’ve found grace and strength to turn over a new leaf.

It’s been six years since I got them, and while I can’t erase the ink, I’ve renounced what those images once stood for.

I’ve chosen, with my whole heart, to embrace Jesus instead.

I’ve also decided not to get any more tattoos.

Not because all tattoos are bad or meaningless, but because I’ve had my fill of body art and no longer wish to continue down that path.

It wasn’t easy coming to this decision, but I had to make a choice.

It’s still hard dealing with people’s remarks about my tattoos.

I’ve had to learn to wear clothes that cover them up, at least to some extent, and do my best to ignore the questions.

Still, I know I’ll have to live with my choices for the rest of my life—even though I’m now a changed person.

On Solid Ground

This young man’s testimony reflects a common narrative in today’s world, even among Christians.

Many of our young people desire to get something inked on their skin, either to express what they believe in or to remember something significant in their lives.

However, regardless of our personal convictions, the Word of God remains steadfast.

Leviticus 19:28 says:

Never cut your bodies in mourning for the dead or mark your skin with tattoos, for I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:28

While the New Testament doesn’t speak directly about tattoos, the command in Leviticus is clear.

God is calling His people to live differently. To stand apart from the world.

So, as believers, we must always remember that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

While we have freedom in Christ, that freedom comes with responsibility.

In the end, the most important question we must ask ourselves is this: Do tattoos bring glory to God?

Or don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,

1 Corinthians 6:19

The Permanent Mark

Tattoos leave a permanent mark on a person’s skin, changing their appearance and making a statement.

Some might say, “Decency is in the heart” or “God knows what’s in my heart, so it doesn’t matter how I dress or look on the outside.”

But we must be honest with ourselves.

Just like makeup, hair color, and piercings, the choices we make in how we present ourselves do affect how others see us, and a lot of times, how we reflect God.

Unlike temporary changes, tattoos are permanent.

That’s why it’s important to think carefully before getting one, regardless of the design.

What does it look like? What message does it send, both now and in the future?

Today, many tattoos reflect messages and images that dishonor God.

A lot of them stem from a place of pain, rebellion, or fascination with darkness, revealing the heart behind the decision.

Think Twice on That Decision

I won’t distance myself from a fellow believer simply because they have tattoos.

But I do wonder if many Christians take enough time to really think before getting one.

As we grow in faith, we should also grow in responsibility—especially when it comes to how our actions affect others.

This includes choices like getting tattoos.

We need to understand that our decisions can influence people around us, especially those who are younger or less mature believers.

That’s why we must approach all things with sensitivity and discernment.

Our actions should reflect a heart that cares about how others perceive Christ through us.

We are called to edify, not confuse; to build up, not mislead.

So, let’s make sure we put God’s Word first and follow sound principles.

Don’t get a tattoo just because everyone else is doing it.

Let your choices be led by truth, not trends.

I hope this encourages us to make decisions with wisdom and to think carefully before making permanent choices.

Keep living like Christ here on earth.

Maranatha!