Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK
Sept. 15, 2011

A “Tattooed” Heart
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." – Proverbs 3:3

Okay, forgive me if I seem out of step with today’s popular trends but I just don’t get it! I don’t understand the whole “tattoo” craze. If I seem rather “old-fashioned” allow me to reveal a bit about myself. I have done my share of crazy things throughout my life...especially in my younger days when the word responsible was not a part high in my vocabulary. I was a teenager in the 70’s and my hair was rather lengthy…um, it was real long! I was just rebellious enough that if earrings were popular for guys at that time I would have gotten one and then ask permission later. (There would have been punishment in there somewhere as well!) I probably have some hearing loss thanks to listening to very loud rock music during those days and unquestionably did my share of a number of things that had my children done them…well, let’s just say they would not have done them a second time. With all that said when it comes to tattoos, I just don’t get it. Call me prudish, an old foggey, stick-in-the-mud, whatever; but I have not yet understood why someone would permanently mark his or her body with them. I believe the actress, Angelia Jolie had a tattoo put on one of her arms with her then husband, Billy-Bob Thorton’s name? A couple of years later they divorced so I’ll bet she’s thrilled with that decision right about now! I understand that she was going to have it removed which according to reports it a very painful process. Don’t get me wrong – I am not putting anyone down who has a tattoo. The last thing I need to be is a person’s judge and if one wants to endure that kind of pain and then live with the marking (when it is stretched and faded and no longer in vogue) – more power to them. There is, however, a “tattoo” that God wants us to have – one that is carved upon our hearts. One that says, “Forever Yours!”
The heart is the center of our physical, emotional and spiritual being. When we hear, see or experience something that stirs our emotions, we don’t say, “That just breaks my kidney…” No! It breaks our heart! Jesus said that our words and actions are what have been stored in our hearts. (Matthew 15:18) He then said that the greatest of all of God’s commandments is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. (Matthew 22:37) To have Love and Loyalty marked on our hearts means that they are visible for everyone to see! People may not see our heart, but they will know what it is made of when they see us and hear us. If you must get a tattoo then do this: Get the Holy Spirit to carve the letters L & L (Love and Loyalty) on your heart! It will be a tattoo that you will never regret…and far less painful! By the way Ms. Jolie, how’s that arm feeling right about now?
Pastor J. T. Carnell