Growing Through Leviticus

Have you ever thought of personal holiness--being like Jesus Christ--as the most important thing in the world?

Most people today are looking for happiness, not holiness--including many professed Christians. They don't want Jesus to influence their character, but they certainly expect him to solve their problems. Eight times in the Bible, God said, "Be holy, because I am holy."

"He that sees the beauty of holiness, or true moral good, sees the greatest and most important thing in the world."--Jonathan Edwards

Leviticus challenges the believer to appreciate holiness and apply it to his or her daily life. Leviticus uses the word "holy" 91 times! As you read the book of Leviticus this week, you'll discover several significant themes that are connected to holiness: a holy God, a holy priesthood, a holy people, a holy land, and a holy Savior.

Since tattoos have become so popular, you'll be interested to read Leviticus 19:28: "Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos.  I am the Lord."

Some Christians make this an issue of holiness and believe that tattoos "disgrace the temple of the Holy Spirit." They twist Leviticus 19:28 to prove their point. As with any other Bible verse, the historical context must be considered. In biblical times, the Egyptians often marked their bodies to show allegiance to a particular deity. This is relevant to this verse. God makes it very clear that he forbids his chosen people, the Israelites who had been enslaved in Egypt, to be identified with any make-believe gods (Exodus 20:2-3).

People today get tattoos for artistic reasons or as permanent reminders to a significant life-event, not as a means of expressing devotion to a false god. For instance, one young man at Lake Christian Church wears a tattoo on his arm that he designed as a tribute to his infant son who passed away. It's important to remember that the Bible doesn't address getting tattoos as a personal expression. (For some interesting insights on the subject of "Heart Art" check out Sacred Ink.)

Note to teens: While getting a tattoo is an individual choice rather than a moral decision, you should respect the wishes of your parents and practice patience and use wisdom when it comes to "getting some ink done." Tattoos are permanent markings unless you undergo the painful, expensive procedure to remove them. Take this to the bank--you'll feel a lot different about tattoos when that cute butterfly on your 18-year-old abdomen looks like a pterodactyl when your abs turn 48.