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I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 11:26:09 AM
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bp4Christ
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Hey guys. This past saturday night I went and got a tattoo on my forum like a complete moron. I feel terrible about it, self conscious, and I am ashamed of it. I work in the professional world and now having this mark on my body really makes me weary. Its a cross made of two nails...and the tattoo itself is cool I guess, but I have been feeling like my body doesn't belong to me, and I had no right to put this permenant mark on this gift God made me. I feel really self conscious about it now. I wore short sleeves to work today, and so far noone has really said anything bad. A couple of people have asked about it becuase they have never noticed a tattoo on my arm before, but I just feel bad. Don't get a tattoo. I thought it would be cool, I have always wanted one on my forearm, and I wanted everyone to see it, but I didn't think about the permenace and consequences that could follow it. I wish I could wash it off, or take it back, but I can't. The next morning I realized what I did and I wanted to kick myself. Can anyone offer me some comfort or direction for this. Have I screwed myself career wise? Spiritually? Will this send me to hell. I feel like I have a constant sin on me now, and I have asked God for forgivness numerous times, but I can't take this one away, and it really bothers me that this is on me for the rest of my life. The tattoo is not huge; about 2 inches long, and about and inch wide on the horizontal nail of the cross, and it is in color. God bless for all of your help. I really needed to get this out.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 11:48:40 AM
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Godluvme
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May i ask how old r u? Why did u get a tatoo if u know it was wrong in the first place?
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 11:53:59 AM
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berylla
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Nothing can seperate you from the Love of God. no matter how bad you mess up. If you are genuinely saved, nothing can take God's salvation away.
the Bible says if you confess your sins He is faithful and will forgive you.
you have already asked forgiveness, you've repented. don't let satan keep you under unnessasary guilt.
the Bible also says He will work everything together for good, to those that love Him...
stay in His word, love the Lord, and learn from your mistakes.
:) and remember, we are all sinners. your not the only one who messes up. we all do.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 11:57:10 AM
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dance4joy
Posts: 2125
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From: Indiana
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First of all I do not think tattoos are in and of themselves wrong. Now if you had gotten something like naked woman or a cult symbol or something like that there might be a problem, but honestly I don't see a problem with the tattoo you got.
But even if we assume it WAS a sin, why on earth do you think that would send you to hell? If you are a believer in Christ (and I'm just assuming since you didn't really say) your sins have been forgiven, past, present and future. Salvation would have to be pretty weak and innefective if one silly mistake were enough to undo everything. That doesn't mean we should go about sinning willy-nilly, but seriously, if you really feel you have sinned in this all you have to do is repent and move on.
As for your job, I don't know what profession you are in, but I don't know of a whole lot of places that would fire you over one tattoo. Why don't you ask your supervisor if it's going to be a problem?
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 12:04:34 PM
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berylla
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a tatoo in itself may not be bad, but it can go against ones convictions, which can make it wrong.
the Bible does say that our bodies are a temple, and like u said, its not yours.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 1:18:42 PM
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evangelical
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a sin is a sin, whether it is marked permanently on your body or not. The Bible specifies time and time again that all we need is an honest heart before God, asking for forgiveness. If you have already asked God for forgiveness then quit burdening yourself with the past, YOU HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN. There is no sin that can not be forgiven, but you must open up your heart before God in order to reach forgiveness. The past is passed, now live for the present.
And as for your Job, just leave that in God's hands and he'll take care of that.
Yes right now you are feeling down and guilty because you sinned, but don't let that keep you down. We are all going to fall and one point or another but we must make sure we get back up!
Remember GOD LOVES YOU!
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GodBlessYou =]
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 1:40:42 PM
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dance4joy
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quote:
a tatoo in itself may not be bad, but it can go against ones convictions, which can make it wrong.
I don't see anywhere in the OP that seems to indicate he had any deep prior conviction against getting a tattoo. . .I could be wrong, but it sounds more like buyer's remorse to me. Like he didn't really think it through and now wishes he could take it back.
bp4Christ is there a reason why you suddenly think what you did was sinful? Is someone else giving you a hard time about it?
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 2:44:51 PM
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fluffmonkey
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Before I post
I want to ask have you prayed about it?
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/8/2008 5:07:30 PM
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bp4Christ
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To try and answer a few questions...I am 22, I work in the IT industry, and go to school. I have wanted a tattoo for a couple of years now but haven't done it because of the sick feeling I would get when really considering going to get it. I wish I had not gotten it on my forearm, which is where I always wanted it. I used to dream about getting one, but in the dream, the artist always put something crazy and bad on me that made me feel guilty and bad, so I took that as a sign not to do it. I have never really felt secure in my salvation, but I have asked Jesus on many occasions to be my Lord and Savior (I know you only have to do it once, but I have never really felt secure in my salvation). My relationship with God is kind of rocky I guess, interspersed with moments of his presence and happiness. I have been fighting alot of depression lately, and have brought many sins into my life making a mess of my Christian walk. I just got a little rebellious I suppose Saturday night and went and got a tattoo. Its a cross made of nails, but my motivation to get it was wrong. I didn't get it for a witnessing tool or anything like that; it was simply to look cool, although it is supposed to represent my faith. I just didn't realize how permenant what I was doing is, and the mistake I made didn't sink in until the next morning. My work can be pretty physical, so I like to wear short sleeve golf shirts when I go onsite to do repair or equipment replacement, but now I may have to wear dress shirts...which I guess is paying the stupid tax. I hope this doesn't screw me professionally...I don't know. I have prayed for God to forgive me but I just don't feel forgiven, and I can't forget that this tattoo is on my arm. I know we aren't supposed to rely on feelings, but I can't help how bad I feel, and the guilt that comes with doing this to my body. I have prayed about it, and I guess I am forgiven, but I need some encouragement I guess. My relationship with God lately has been terrible, and I don't know how to get back to him. I started smoking again a year ago...that really kind of started this downward spiral. I just need some encouragement and guidance about what to do about this. I want to like this tattoo and be proud of it because it is cool, but instead I feel stupid and ashamed, and feel like I made a very childish mistake that is going to bite me in the future. I hope this is not true. I keep thinking to myself though that I haven't been on my knees before the Lord about this, and this may be one of those times when it will take nothing less than humbling myself on my knees before the Lord and begging for his forgiveness for this year and a half of a mess I have put myself in, including this tattoo. Financially, professionally, and education wise I am doing fine, but spiritually I am severely struggling. Thanks for all of you prayers and encouragement everyone.
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Praise the Lord, because He is worthy of ALL Praise!!!!!!
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/9/2008 2:16:39 AM
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ael84
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I have a feeling that you got the tattoo out of a feeling of rebellion. I know a few people will disagree with me, but a tattoo (unless it was really questionable design) or a piercing (I have 7, oh my) are not bad or sinful of themselves. But if you are going out on a whim and getting these things done out of rebellion of your beliefs, then yes, I guess it would be perceived as bad. I think what you need to do first is calm down about it, clear your head, and then cope with it one bit at a time. You haven't sent yourself to hell and I know this may sound mean...but you're making a really big deal out of it, which is making it a worse issue than it really is. If you're concerned about it having an impact on your professionalism, if your work ethic has always been consistent along with the work you produce, it shouldn't impact you. This is coming from someone whose boss has a tattoo at a professional corporate social services office, and also being the former girlfriend of a guy who worked in a corporate construction office, and also being the friend of a girl with a nostril piercing who works as a manager for a fine department store. So please, instead of projecting how you're feeling spiritually into your tattoo, separate the two and really delve into why you have been struggling spritually. It was long there before the tattoo, that's for sure.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/10/2008 1:26:47 AM
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dawntreader
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Do you have a group of believers you can bring this to who will listen to you and walk alongside you when you are struggling spiritually?
Even if this tattoo was part of that "downward spiral" you mentioned, if you keep seeking God he will be able to use it, and you, for his glory. But we all have a deep need for really authentic community, and I know that at least personally, my church community has shown God to me when I couldn't find him anywhere else on my own.
My prayers are with you!
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/11/2008 10:48:29 AM
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Godluvme
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Well I can honestly say that even though we're christians we're going to fall and sin no matter what. People may think just becuz you're christian you have to be this holy, holy, perfect man or women. We could be looking at a man or women and still be lusting after them. My point is we sin every day but yet God forgives us and loves us no other God I know can forgive and love us as sinners. I don't have a tatoo but I know how you feel. There are many times when i sinned aganist God wishes and felt so terrible about it up to the point where I was embarrassed to show my face or even pray but yet if we come with our whole hearts and REPENT OF OUR SINS THEN HE WILL FORGIVE US. My relationship with the Lord isn't perfect either I struggle with a lot of issues and still struggling but I know God looks past those issues and see my heart. Stop tearing yourself down life is too short for that. Keep having faith that God will change you it may not be now but he will. Trust in him. I'm also 22 and is a single mother but I believe God can heal me and my broken heart. Keep praying and seeking his face and he will forgive you and bless you. God doesn't look at our past but he determines our future. Stay blessed.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/14/2008 3:57:14 AM
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1love1God1way
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You didn't sin.
You're not going to hell.
Don't worry about that.
Don't listen to those who have said otherwise.
As far as the professional world, I can't offer you much advice there.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/14/2008 1:55:38 PM
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ShutterBox
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sounds like you've had a lot of people around you that have always hated tattoos. I'd ask your church affiliation (babp. pent. AOG, etc...) but that might stir something up.. hehe
I know people that get sick when they see, hear about, or have friends with tattoos because of how they were raised to think about them. People are too stuck in their man made rules that they forget the simplicity of God's word and how HE wants us to live. This kinda reminds me of a certain church group who think women should wear only long skirts, no make up, and never cut their hair, etc. It's just stupid man jargon.
as for the professional world.....IDK. i don't think it's as big a deal as it use to be.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/16/2008 10:29:55 AM
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RHardin15
Posts: 258
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Tattoo's are not sinful. Your intentions may have been sinful, but even if they were, God forgave you for them.
My pastor has 31 tattoo's (at last check, he could have gotten more this week...guess I'll find out tonight), and each one (except for the 8 or 10 he got before he knew Christ) represents something about His faith. They are a great witnessing tool, and there is nothing wrong with them, as long as you've prayed about it. In your case, maybe God's purpose for you may not have included tattoos. But, He forgave you, now use that tattoo for his glory and honor.
I think the guilt you're feeling now is the enemy trying to get under your skin, and make you think that you did something wrong, when in fact you did not.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 4/16/2008 1:13:16 PM
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faroukfarouk
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Well think about this:
I there was a lady that had a tattoo of the name of an ex-bf, and he was not a believer, and she wanted distance herself from her old life with her ex-bf, because she was a Christian, and so she changed a tattoo that said "Bill" into one that said "Bible" (or a tattoo that said "Gary" into one that said "Grace", or whatever),
I suppose this would be hard to criticize, right?
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 5/12/2008 7:24:35 PM
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cchris
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hi. I read about your problem and it reminds me of my own problems. When I feel completely unforgivable the thing that helps me the most is to contemplate what God means to me.
No mortal can fully comprehend God, much less myself, but when I think of God I am reminded of Jesus-- the pinnacle of mercy, the most understanding and forgiving man to have ever lived.
I also think about what faith means to me. For most of my life it meant very little. It only meant that Jesus was real and that he was God's son. I believed that, but it didn't make me love or trust God. So I went on believing that faith was basically worthless for me.
In time however, by the miracle of coincidence, I came to see faith as something else. Now, when I think of faith, I think of God the infallable, God who is behind the universe, who loves me, who guides every action in a way that means I don't need to fear him, and though I may not always understand, and though I will suffer, I can trust him.
Now when I look back into my life and see the things that tormented me, I believe that it was God guiding me, always one step ahead of satan and constantly turning his best layed traps against him. God works in mysterious ways, like the old saying goes. Hard as it may seem sometime, we should trust him and believe that he will show us the way.
Anyways, I believe you'll be ok. =)
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 5/12/2008 9:18:37 PM
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stellaluna
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I have a bunch of tattoos, if it makes you feel any better. 
If you feel getting a tattoo wasn't right for you, simply repent and move on. It's there now and you'll get used to it. It sounds like a nice tattoo, anyway, and I suspect it's something that could be used over and over again as a witnessing tool. Even to tell the story you're telling us now and how the grace of God overcame. 
Lots of people have tattoos, so I wouldn't worry about work unless they actually say you have to cover it up. You can always wear long sleeves, bandage it, or use makeup. (You'll have to get a specialized makeup, though, and I don't know what it's called.)
You'll be all right. Promise.
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"In one century, we went from teaching Greek and Latin in lower schools to teaching remedial English in colleges."
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 5/12/2008 11:30:15 PM
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Ephesians4_32
Posts: 2186
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From: The Crossroads of America
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bp4Christ
Hey guys. This past saturday night I went and got a tattoo on my forum like a complete moron. I feel terrible about it, self conscious, and I am ashamed of it. I work in the professional world and now having this mark on my body really makes me weary. Its a cross made of two nails...and the tattoo itself is cool I guess, but I have been feeling like my body doesn't belong to me, and I had no right to put this permenant mark on this gift God made me. I feel really self conscious about it now. I wore short sleeves to work today, and so far noone has really said anything bad. A couple of people have asked about it becuase they have never noticed a tattoo on my arm before, but I just feel bad. Don't get a tattoo. I thought it would be cool, I have always wanted one on my forearm, and I wanted everyone to see it, but I didn't think about the permenace and consequences that could follow it. I wish I could wash it off, or take it back, but I can't. The next morning I realized what I did and I wanted to kick myself. Can anyone offer me some comfort or direction for this. Have I screwed myself career wise? Spiritually? Will this send me to hell. I feel like I have a constant sin on me now, and I have asked God for forgivness numerous times, but I can't take this one away, and it really bothers me that this is on me for the rest of my life. The tattoo is not huge; about 2 inches long, and about and inch wide on the horizontal nail of the cross, and it is in color. God bless for all of your help. I really needed to get this out.
I don't want to judge anyone at all, but we all have sinned and some of us have trouble forgiving ourselves. So if getting a tattoo is a sin, you may be stuck with the tattoo, but sins can be forgiven. If God doesn't forgive sins, no one is going to spend eternity with him. Some of our sins are seen by other people; some aren't. It isn't whether or not we get caught, because God knows everything we do. Think of the teen-ager who gets pregnant and people know that she isn't married. She can't undo what she did. But not every fornicator gets caught.
I pierced my ears myself when I was young. A few days later, I decided I didn't want holes in my ear lobes because God hadn't put any there. So pierced ears are very acceptable in today's Christian society and tattoos aren't quite as acceptable. You can choose to live with the tattoo or you can wear long sleeves or you can try to save enough money for plastic surgery.
Romans 3
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
1 John 1
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
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RE: I'm an idiot and got a tattoo - 5/14/2008 8:44:18 PM
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ex-prodigal
Posts: 28
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 Dude,you are either fogiven,or you're not.Do you believe in Jesus?Do you believe in the Word of God?You do NOT have to BEG forgivness!It's there,you just have to receive it!Speaking of your job,I doubt that you will be fired or whatever;otherwise your boss would have said something by now?Worse-case scenario:wear a long-sleeved shirt.  Now,for all of you that think getting tattoos are 'cool' or 'neat',are 'off'.I think that if you REALLY did your homework,you'd find that 'marking' your bodies was,and is,wrong biblically.And YES,I do have a couple tattoos.I have had them for 21 years,got them while doing cocaine.I(and everyone that I know with tattoos/piercings,etc.)was living a life of drugs/alcohol,satanic/cultish things,etc.;very sinful.What kind of message do you think you are sending as a christian,getting a tattoo?Or,piercing your body.Like your eye brow,or your lip?Your tongue?Other parts?Christianity has conformed to this world,and made excuses as to why it is ok;"it is for witnessing",or some funky jazz like that.This is nonsense,how does a straight-laced,upper-middle-class person who has never experienced a certain lifestyle,witness to a biker, street people, junkies,etc.?Thinking that tattoos,piercings,or what ever make you something you are not will most likely only cause you and those you attempt to help,more harm than good.And pastors like Todd Bentley,who go out and get covered in tattoos and pinch all that hardeware into their face so they can be 'cool'(?),have seriously missed it!All I/we can do is pray for these mis-guided souls.Hey,I am not trying to beat anyone up.We must live with certain consequences of our actions,and we need to be real!Why do we want to look like the world?Why do we want to continue in the things that we did while sinners in the world?Serious questions to consider,please do.Final note:I believe very much in God's grace and mercy,and extend it freely myself.Be easy on yourself bp4Christ,learn to forgive yourself and let God work.You need to believe in your salvation!God bless you with revelation of who you are in Him,and who He is in you!God bless you all!
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