faith12:
Bible Reading: Leviticus 19:28; 1 Corinthians 3:16,17

Tatto is a form of body modification, made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. It is inscribing or printing of marks, figures, letters or pictures on the body in such a way that ordinary bath cannot erase it.

Tattooing has been in existence for centuries and this practise has enjoined a popular resurgence among young people in recent times. Christian youths however, should remember Luke 16:15 which says "...that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."

1.   Tattooing: The Reasons

From the olden days, people tattooed for different reasons:
a. Mark of identification: People are given tattoo so that they could be identified and recognized by their cult members, tribe or fraternity. Tattoo could also serve as the marks of outcast, slaves and convicts. Some religious groups also tattoo to recognize their members and devotees to their gods.
b. Marks of maturity: The people of Papua New Guinea traditionally give the V-shaped tattoo on the chest, indicating that a girl had reached marriageable age.
c. Beauty: Today, people choose to be tattooed for artistic, cosmetic and sentimental reasons. Extensive decorative tattooing is common among performance artists. They believe that wearing tatoos on some part of their bodies make them beautiful. Others tattoo out of peer pressure, hero worship, and conformity to the world.

2.   Tattooing: The Repercussions

Repercussion is the consequence of, or punishment for a wrongdoing. The consequence of tattoo are many: physically, medically and even spiritually.

Physical Consequences:
The removal of inscribed tattoo, which is painful makes the bearer regrets his or her action after repentance. While tattoos are considered permanent, it is sometimes possible to remove them, fully or partially, with laser treatments. The expense and pain associated with removing tattoos are typically greater than those associated with applying them.

Medical Consequences:
Because tattoo requires breaking the skin barrier, it carries lots of health risks - including fungal infection and allergic reactions. There have been reported cases of HIV, tetanus, Herpes, Staph, Hepatitis B and C contracted from tattoos. The fact of tattoos spreading deadly diseases is nothing new. It has been known and documented for years. Occasionally, when a blood vessel is punctured during tattooing procedure, a bruise/hematoma may appear.

Spiritual Consequences:
The spiritual consequences of tattoo are grievous. Since tattoo is a deliberate disobedience to the law and commandments of God, the tattooist and tattoo bearers are clear enemies of God. Tattoo is associated with idol-worship, serpent worship and sun worship. The word of God says flee from idolatry. If you are truly born again, the Holy Spirit of God dwells within you (John 14:17; Romans 8:9,11) and your body is the temple of God. "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:19,20). The Lord warns of the seriousness of defiling the temple of God, which is our body (1 Corinthians 3:17). If any man defiles the temple of God HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY! BE WARNED!