My Tattoo

          Would you like to hear about my tattoo? Well, don’t hold your breath because I don’t have one, although I confess—I’ve considered the idea.

          Choice of design? Only one. Simple yet filled with meaning. For, you see, I learned of a people who bear the same tattoo on the inside of their wrists, all with very good reason.

          The Coptic Christians in northern Africa (primarily Egypt with Sudan coming in next). This group of believers, although differing from my foundation in doctrine and interpretation of sacraments, do love God, yet they live in an area of the world where they risk persecution—even unto death—by those of a different belief system. The history of this persecutions reaches back to 640 A.D.

          The Coptic Christians so revere God that they wished to be identified with Him—thus, a tattooed cross. A visible mark of their resilience. Not only did they desire this mark, constantly reminding them of their commitment, but they also use it as “backward insurance.” A death sentence.

          Can you imagine?

          You see, these people know they risk being persecuted, and many—when faced with “deny your faith or die”—wondered if they’d stand firm. With no mark inked into their arm (where the enemy would certainly look) they could falter and say, “I never knew Him.”

          But with the tattoo they could not deny the faith—because, even if their mouths failed to claim Christ, their marks would assure they’d be unable to. Yes, “backward insurance”—possible death if they wavered.

          So, that’s why I’ve considered taking the cross—in solidarity and also as a vow to hold firm to my faith, even under threat of death—like these persecuted Christians because I’ve also wondered if faced with denying my faith to preserve my life, would the mark assure my allegiance to Jesus?

          If I were ever asked to turn against Jesus Christ in exchange for my life, would I? I would say, “Unequivocally no!” Yet, just like the Copts (as they are called), do I know for certain I wouldn’t pull-a-Peter? How do I know unless the enemy shows up at our door and we’re put to the test?

          Do I need a tattoo to identify with Christ? No. Really, if my life doesn’t shine for Him each day, then how will those around me—friend or foe—know I bear His mark? The one that’s in my heart and the place where He lives within me?

          Here’s the rub: I love the Lord and want to be like Him. I want others to look at me and see Christ. I also want my actions to draw people to seek His Kingdom.

          If I keep growing closer to the Lord, then I believe I’ll be less likely to deny Him. But Peter didn’t think he would, and look what happened with him! He who was close to Jesus.

          So, getting a Coptic cross tattoo is still on the table in my thinking. But may I ever be mindful of what’s most important—that God has stamped His image in my heart.

 

Oh! To be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer;

Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.

 

Refrain: Oh! To be like Thee. Oh! To be like Thee, blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;

Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness; stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

 

Oh! To be like Thee, full of compassion, loving, forgiving, tender and kind,

Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting, seeking the wand’ring sinner to find. (refrain)

 

Oh! To be like Thee, lowly in spirit, holy and harmless, patient and brave;

Meekly enduring cruel reproaches, willing to suffer, others to save. (refrain)

 

Oh! To be like Thee, Lord, I am coming, now to receive th’ anointing divine;

All that I am and have I am bringing, Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine. (refrain)

 

Oh! To be like Thee, while I am pleading, pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,

Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling, fit me for life and Heaven above. (refrain)

 

(from the hymn Oh! To Be Like Thee by Thomas O. Chisholm, 1897, public domain)

 

#tattoos #CopticChristians #markedforChrist #identity #persecution #witness #testimony

 

 

Photo Credit: Reddit.com