The Danger Of Having Tattooed Leaders Reigning Over Us
In a world that increasingly normalizes tattoo culture, it is vital for Messianic Jewish believers to pause and consider what the Scriptures say about the values and examples set by those in positions of leadership. This is not merely a matter of personal preference but a deeply spiritual issue tied to the identity of a holy people called to reflect the character and commands of God. Leaders carry influence, and their choices can shape the moral and spiritual direction of those they lead.
What Do Tattoos Represent in the Biblical Context?
In the Torah, God speaks directly to His people about the practice of marking their bodies. Leviticus 19:28 declares:
"You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead or incise any marks on yourselves: I am the LORD."
This command was given to distinguish the Israelites from the pagan nations around them, who often tattooed themselves as acts of worship to their gods or as signs of mourning for the dead. Tattoos were more than skin deep—they represented a connection to idolatrous practices and a rejection of God’s set-apart identity for His people.
When leaders—those who are meant to guide, teach, and embody righteousness—embrace tattoo culture, they risk normalizing practices that can be associated with rebellion, idolatry, or self-expression that prioritizes personal desires over divine instruction.
Leadership and Holiness: A Higher Standard
God’s standard for leaders is not arbitrary; it is a reflection of His own holiness. Leaders are called to be examples of righteousness and obedience to God’s Word. Deuteronomy 17:18-20 provides specific instructions for kings of Israel:
"When he is seated on his royal throne, he shall have a copy of this Torah written for him. He shall read it all his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God, to observe faithfully every word of this Torah as well as these laws. Thus, he will not act arrogantly toward his fellows or deviate from the Instruction to the right or to the left."
The imagery of a king devoting himself to the Torah contrasts sharply with the image of a leader adorned with tattoos, which may symbolize personal autonomy rather than submission to God. A tattooed leader may unwittingly send a message of compromise, diluting the call to holiness with cultural conformity.
Cultural Influence vs. Divine Calling
It is no secret that tattoos have become a symbol of self-expression in modern culture. They are often celebrated as markers of individuality and creativity. However, as Messianic Jews, we are called to evaluate cultural trends through the lens of Scripture.
Jeremiah 10:2 warns us:
"Thus said the LORD: Do not learn to go the way of the nations."
When leaders adopt practices rooted in worldly values, they risk leading others astray. A leader’s actions and appearance are not just personal choices—they set a precedent for those who look up to them. By embracing tattoos, leaders may inadvertently signal that personal expression is more important than adhering to God’s instructions.
The Heart of the Matter: Integrity and Witness
The issue of tattooed leaders reigning over us is not solely about external appearances. It is about the heart and integrity of leadership. The outward reflects the inward, and a leader who chooses to tattoo their body must consider whether this aligns with the holiness and reverence God requires.
The prophet Samuel reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7:
"Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
While it is true that God judges the heart, the outward appearance still matters because it communicates values and priorities. For leaders, the question becomes: What message does my appearance send to those I am called to shepherd?
The Spiritual Ramifications of Tattooed Leadership
Tattooed leaders can inadvertently invite a spirit of compromise into the community. If leaders disregard clear biblical instructions, it opens the door for others to rationalize their own departures from God’s commands. This is a dangerous path, as it weakens the foundation of a covenant community built on obedience and reverence for God’s Word.
Hosea 4:6 warns us:
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you as My priests; because you have ignored the Torah of your God, I also will ignore your children."
When leaders reject or diminish parts of God’s Torah, they risk not only their own standing but also the spiritual well-being of those they lead.
A Call to Return to Holiness
As Messianic Jewish believers, we are called to be a light to the nations, reflecting God’s holiness and His ways. Leaders, in particular, bear the responsibility of modeling this holiness. Isaiah 52:11 exhorts us:
"Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the LORD."
If leaders are to be vessels of God’s glory, they must strive to maintain purity in all aspects of their lives, including how they present themselves to the world.
What Should We Look for in Godly Leaders?
Godly leaders are not perfect, but they are committed to walking in obedience to God’s Word. They prioritize His commands over cultural trends and strive to be examples of humility, holiness, and faithfulness.
Micah 6:8 encapsulates the heart of godly leadership:
"He has told you, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
This is the standard we should hold our leaders to—a standard rooted in the Torah and the prophetic call to righteousness.
Conclusion: A Call to Discernment
The danger of having tattooed leaders reigning over us lies not in the ink itself but in what it represents—a potential departure from God’s call to be holy and set apart. As a community, we must pray for discernment and seek leaders who reflect the character of God in every aspect of their lives.
Let us remember the words of Psalm 1:1-2:
"Happy is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of sinners, or joined the company of the insolent; rather, the Torah of the LORD is his delight, and he studies that Torah day and night."
May we choose leaders who delight in God’s Torah and inspire us to do the same. In doing so, we honor the God who called us to be His holy people and prepare the way for His kingdom to be revealed in our midst.