Take It Into Account

“So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.  Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or stumbling block in a brother’s way.”  Romans 14:12-13

In the early church people practiced many different social customs which people from different groups did not understand.   The Apostle Paul cautioned Christians not to let these differences in customs interfere with accepting new believers into the church because trying to force changes in customs might cause new Christians to turn away from the Church.

Paul said each individual would answer to God regarding their behavior and therefore, the Church did not need to busy itself with creating rules which would only serve to alienate people against the Church.

We can take this to heart today.  There are social customs like tattoos and body piercing which can create a barrier between mainline Christians and lost sheep that are searching for Jesus.  Our first priority is to tell people about Jesus and welcome them into the Church.  Anything more, we need not worry about, because God is the ultimate judge. 

For what it is worth, I don’t think tattoos and body piercings will be much of an issue for God.