For years, Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner has had what is commonly understood as a Nazi symbol tattooed on his chest. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has tattoos representing white supremacy. Other politicians have had similar complaints lodged against them. Today’s thought isn’t about tattoos – this is about integrity and what our appearance says about us. First – I have no beef with tattoos, although I don’t have any. I admit that I occasionally chuckle when I think of how they will look on Gen X, Y, and Z in 40-60 years (although I won’t be here to see them). Second – how you look is often up to you, so if you want to dress differently and express yourself, you be you. This isn’t about those meaningless things. This is about how we show the world on the outside who we are on the inside.
In water Baptism, we say that the act itself is a way of telling those around you who you belong to. This is why so many adults get re-baptized – they want to make a public statement about their faith. It is unnecessary, since God got it right the first time, but again – you be you. We call this an outward sign of an invisible grace. People with tattoos that represent hate are telling us who they believe they are, and those belief systems have no place in a just world. You want to flaunt your hatred? Join a cult and live in the dessert with the other people who have shriveled up souls. If you got inked at a tough time in your life and have repented, then get rid of the tattoo! Be a grown-up and deal with the pain of removal – it’s the least you can do to show you truly repent.
Our tats – the t-shirts with slogans we love to wear – our hats and buttons and other accoutrements – they are billboards for our souls. If you have a swastika inked on your forearm, you are telling me you hate Jews (and a lot of other people). If you wear a t-shirt that says anyone who doesn’t believe in your version of God is going to hell, you are telling me that your idea of God is about hate, not love. I am a big fan of repentance, but without actual actions that nullify our previous life, we are just one more hate-filled bigot giving God – and everyone else – the middle finger. Jesus said to bear good fruit. The Book of James tells us that faith without works is dead. You can tell me you’ve changed all you want – but showing me is one thousand times better. And I, for one, will welcome you with open arms.
Prayer – Holy God, You love us when we turn our lives around, and we should love each other in the same way. For there is more joy in heaven when one sinner repents than for multitudes of righteous people – so Jesus said – and that should bring us joy. Amen.
Today’s art is “Repentance and Redemption? by Alan James Weiss.