Are Tattoos Sinful?

Today I saw this van and immediately thought of a question that many Christians ask; namely, is it a sin to get a tattoo? Short answer, NO. And here's the reason why; namely, because the Scriptures do not explicitly state tattoos is a sin.  There are two passages that, in a cursory reading, seem to forbid it, but in order to come to that conclusion one must disregard the immediate and overall context.  All in all, tattoos may be permitted, but not necessarily beneficial to spreading the gospel or strengthening the faith of the believer.

There are plenty of articles online regarding this topic (click here to listen or read) so I'd like to take this at a completely different angle...

From my experience, the person who is critical of tattoos, body piercings, beer and dancing are a modern form of Pharisee.  I know because I was one.  So here are some signs of a Pharisee:

1) A Pharisee praises God he is not like someone else  - like someone with tattoos and cigarettes.
2) A Pharisee is blind to his own issues - when be hears truth, he automatically assumes it's for his wife, neighbor or cousin...
3) A Pharisee has a grace-less perspective of others.
4) A Pharisee has a spirit of criticism, finding it easy to critique everyone and everything.

Do you think you might be a Pharisee?

If so, ask God to work in your heart and free you from the bondage of a critical spirit that only looks outward avoiding introspection.  When you sit under the teaching of the Word ask God where the truth lands for your own sanctification rather than thanking God because your spouse "really needed to heart that sermon."

This morning, my pastor preached out of Colossians 4:2-6 this morning and gave great points for "missional living" as Jesus role modeled (listen to this sermon).  Here's my takeaways...
1) Be gracious.
2) Walk in wisdom.
3) Be relational.  Be transactional in dealing with our unbelieving friends.  Even for introverted people, God will give opportunities and "onramps" to share the gospel.
4) Be seasoned with salt.  Be known for contributing wisdom to conversations.

Are you living "missionally" and reflecting Christ like character to those in your life?