It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Galatians 5:1 NIV
Tattoos tell much about us. Generally, we choose them to tell the story of who we are, what we like, what we do, or a memorable moment or person. But sometimes they say something else. They are tattoos a person does not choose, does not want, but are diabolically impressed on them by others. Just this year when I posted on social media about the anniversary of the Holocaust, a woman shared with me that she cared for a survivor of the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp who still bore the unique serial numbers and letters on her left forearm. Think of it – she was liberated from the camp on January 27, 1945, but she was never free from the tattoo.
Derwin Gray says that a label given to us is a soul-tattoo engrained deep in our hearts. Often those devastating labels keep us in bondage our entire lives. Those dark tattoos given by the Enemy of our souls often come through people or events that have been deliberately destructive, and these words have power to ruin our lives. Sometimes the label or tattoo is easily identifiable as a bondage that keeps us from taking risks or following the promptings of God into the freedom Jesus brought us.
Mary of Bethany’s bondage was like that. She was a woman in a world where women were held back, considered inferior, not ordinarily permitted to be educated. Their roles were rigidly defined. Mary’s environment did not encourage a woman’s listening at the feet of a rabbi. She was to be in the kitchen with her sister Martha. But she took the risk and sat at the feet of Jesus with the men. Jesus Himself said that by risking and stepping into this freedom, she had chosen what was better (Luke 10).
All of us have destructive tattoos/labels that have been given to us. A destructive label/tattoo leads to a life of bondage. Satan is a tattoo artist who wants to cover your mind and heart with dark and discouraging labels to steal your life. Labels produce fear and shame. Shame is sinister and from Satan … every single time, no matter whose mouth delivers it. Shame makes us feel unworthy, so we refuse to take the risks of walking in freedom. Those tattoos are never from God. Jesus gives life-giving labels that release your joy and potential. He called you His friend (John 15:15). Every word He has for you is good. Take the risk.
- Jesus, help me reject every label from anyone but You. I want to be like Mary and take the risk of walking in freedom.