How Can People Know We Are Christians?

Cross Tattoo

I recently read an article that talked about a group using tattoos as a fundraiser for a church project. Those who were participating were getting tattoos that were meant to convey the message that they were Christians. On one hand, it is tempting to see this as commendable. With tattoos being (relatively) permanent, one could argue that they can be a good expression of our commitment to following Jesus.

However, the Bible never says that Christians are to indicate their identity as disciples of Jesus by some markings on their skin. In fact, the concept is just like the practice of the Pharisees who would “broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments” (Matthew 23:5). The Pharisees wanted people to see, based upon the accessories that they wore, that they were zealously religious. Those who get tattoos (or wear certain jewelry or clothing) that are designed to convey a religious message and identify them as Christians are doing the same thing.

Jesus said there is another way that people should recognize us as being His followers – it is by the fruit that is produced in our lives.

So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:17-20).

People should be able to judge by our fruits that we are followers of Christ. What are some things they should be able to see in us?

  • Good works – “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). People will see what we do. We should act in such a way that our “good works” cause them to look to God more than praise us for our actions.
  • Avoiding sin – “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you” (1 Peter 4:3-4). Being a Christian is not just about what we do, but what we do not do. Others may mock us for abstaining from certain sinful behaviors; but that just means that they are noticing.
  • Proper speech – “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6). A lot of damage can be done with our speech (James 3:3-6). We must learn to respond to others in such a way that reflects Christ.
  • Right teaching – “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God…” (1 Peter 4:11). Not only are we to teach what is right, but we must do so in the right way. That means that we should not try to teach the truth by appealing to what we think, what we feel, or what our preacher says. Instead, we need to make our appeal to the word of God and show others from the Bible what is right.
  • Love for others – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Others should see that love is more than something we talk about, but something that we put into practice (1 John 3:18).
  • Obedience to God – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29). Obedience to God is not just something that is done when it is convenient or when it is accepted by the majority. We must obey God even when those in positions of power – as well as others with influence in our lives (such as family, friends, co-workers, etc.) – oppose us for it.
  • Being different from the world – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). It is not enough to be different for the sake of being different. We are different because we conform our lives to the will of God.

Wearing a tattoo or some other accessory is not what tells the world that we are Christians. We communicate that through what we do and say in every area of our lives. Rather than getting some tattoo to try to show that we are different from the world, let us actually follow Jesus. Simply doing that will make it obvious to others that we are Christians.


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Comments

  1. While I may be surprised at the outlandish thinks religious groups will go to, it is just a reminder that there is no extreme that is too extreme for many who think in worldly terms. I find it disgusting when supposed “Christians” wear crosses on chains around their necks which is supposed to declare them followers of Christ. Even the women who expose their nakedness with a cross between their breasts which somehow is supposed to show their spirituality. Shake your head!

  2. not to mention that it is illogical to express allegiance to a God who expressly forbids the very practice being used to promote such allegiance. Tattoos are forbidden for those who have taken the yoke of the kingdom. If one has them when coming to faith, so be it. They should be covered. But it is shameful to flaunt body art in the name of Christ. It’s perverse, actually.