JAYNIE WRITES: I want to get a nose ring for my 16th birthday, however, I’m not sure that if I do I’m honoring God. I would like to get a cross or some other symbol that has an important message about my faith. Any thoughts on that?
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section!
There are currently 7 Comment(s)
There are currently 7 Comment(s)
Have something else you’d like to discuss? Just submit your question or topic (and any elaboration you’d like to provide) using our Submit Content Page. We look forward to hearing from you.
I think that Christians should only get body piercings in places of the body that wouldn’t be seen by other people – therefore, I wouldn’t recommend nipple piercings (that includes both male and female) or bellybutton piercings.
In regards to your question on whether or not you should get your nose pierced, you need to think about whether or not one piercing will lead you to get multiple piercings. You say that you about perhaps a cross which would say something about your faith but what needs to be understood is that our faith can be illustrated by our character.
Personally, I think that Christians should restrict themselves to just ear piercings as it drags less attention to yourself.
I believe that it is wrong to do so, and I will explain why. As Christians we are called to be the light of the world. Body piercings are the things the world sees as it’s own. So how can we be the light if we are seen as the world sees itself. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.” I hope this verse helps. I’m sorry if I have come across as condemning, but I don’t want a sister in Christ to make a mistake.
Hey Joey! Thanks for sharing. I just want to clarify what you are saying.
It seems like you have two points: 1) Christians are called to be distinct from the world. 2) Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should not be destroyed through body piercings.
These are both solid arguments against body piercings for Christians.
However, I’d be interested to know how far you’d take your second argument. Are you saying that all body piercings count as “destroying the temple of God” — including getting your ears pierced to wear earrings?
There’s no wrong answer here. I just want to know whether you would apply these arguments to the typical ear piercings that many/most Christian women have — or only to less common piercings like upper ear, nose, lip, eyebrow, belly-button, etc.
Thanks!
Hello Brett, I believe that ear piercings are ok, the reason I think that they are ok and that body piercings are not is because that ear piercings are not seen to be as worldly as body piercings are. If body piercings were not so widely used in the world and not used much in the church, my comment would have been very different.
Gotcha! Thanks for clarifying, Joey!
My sister did just make a good point to me. She said that it also depends on that persons convictions. The bible says don’t do things that would make a brother fall in his walk. So in some places it may be ok and in some it may not be.
Hi Joey. So I will start out by saying that I have my ears pierced and would not find it a good idea to get any other preircings. However I was wondering why you believe that only certain preircings are seen as worldly? I mean it seems like a lot of things Christians do are from the world, but just not in a bad way. For instance, we dress similarly to the world. Other than modesty, our clothes are the same as the world’s. So it is sometimes indistinguishable whether or not one is a Christian simply by their appearance, although it may be possible to distinguish a non-Chritian. I think that maybe the reason we should avoid preircings is the reason that the world gets them, not necessarily the fact that they are from the world. Our culture in my opinion gets preircings for three main reasons:
1. To get extra attention
2. To be rebellious
3. To draw attention to areas of their body that we as Christians deem immodest to show in public
And as Christians, we do not want to portray ourselves as trying to get attention for ourselves, or for rebellion (in the wrong way), or for immodesty. I agree, however, that it comes down to one’s personal discretion.
Your sister in Christ, Leah
Hello Leah, I highly agree with your points on why people get body piercings. But what I was trying to say in my comment is that the world does not see ear piercings as enough, they have to take one further by piercing parts of the body that shouldn’t be pierced. But this is just my personel opinion, but Im a guy, so maybe I should have let the girls like you take this one since it is more popular for girls.
Hey Joey,
Okay, I understand where you’re coming from. And you should definitely still comment! A good discussion includes input from everyone 🙂
Something that gets me with a lot of these DQ’s is the use of the phrase “is it okay…” It brings to mind 1 Cor. 10:23, “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.”
Is it okay as in whether or not it is sin? The Bible never condemns them that I know of outside OT Levitical law, so I would say it is not a sin. So, in my opinion you’re free to do so.
I would be careful of the connotation, however. Generally, nose-rings and certain body piercings do not carry a message that broadcasts “I’m a Christian!” It’s certainly possible to have one and be a Christian, but by simple first glance, it will make many people group you mentally with a rebellious cultural movement.
So, to sum that up, I would say you are free to do so (as in free from Biblical mandate), but I would be very careful doing so since it can easily be taken as something worldly.
Hey Taylor! I have noticed the same thing about these questions and wondered whether “is it okay” is really the right question to be asking. Thanks for bringing that up!
I would caution, however, against applying 1 Corinthians 10:23 the way you have done — based on a recent study I’ve done of 1 Corinthians.
Basically, many scholars have come to agree that when Paul says, “All things are lawful for me” he is quoting the Corinthians. They have used this argument to excuse all manner of wrong behavior. He quotes them throughout the book, in fact. And in almost every instance he is refuting their arguments, not supporting them.
In other words, 1 Corinthians 10:23 could be read:
“You say, ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I say, ‘Not all things are profitable.’ You say, ‘All things are lawful,’ but I say, ‘Not all things edify.'”
This is an interpretation which has substantial scholarly support. However, it is just an interpretation. It could be wrong.
Still, I’ve seen Christians use this “All things are lawful” idea to excuse doing anything the Bible doesn’t explicitly condemn — and I don’t think that the path of righteousness and holiness.
Anyway, I don’t think *you* were going there, but seeing that verse used in this context made me think about what I’d been studying and I had to share.
Thanks for listening, Taylor!
First of all, thank you so much for sharing, Brett! I really appreciate your taking the time to point that out to me. I have never seen that interpretation before, so I learned something new today! 🙂
But let me ask a question. Just looking at the wording itself, Paul doesn’t appear to be contradicting anything. Saying “not all things are profitable” doesn’t contradict “all things are lawful for me”; he is simply narrowing the playing field from “Yeah, I can do whatever I want as long as it’s not mentioned in the law” to “hold up here, we’re called to glorify God in what we do.”
I completely agree with your conclusion of what Paul is saying, that even things not mentioned in the law are not necessarily permissible if they are not edifying. However, I’m cautious to take on an interpretation that involves practically adding words to the text. Does that make sense?
At the same time, I will look this up more because it is quite plausible that the interpretation is correct. Thank you for pointing out where I may have taken a verse out of context!
Good points, Taylor!
Though I would disagree that this interpretation “adds words” to the text. I only paraphrased to make the meaning clearer to you. The same meaning could be taken without adding those words.
For example, the NIV translate 1 Corinthians 10:23 with quotations marks and the words “you say”:
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A23&version=NIV
And the ESV also uses quotations marks:
“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up.”
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A23&version=ESV
Hmm, that makes sense. Okay, I’ll look more into this! Either way I wind up seeing this verse, I appreciate your telling me this. I think you may be right! 🙂
You’re welcome! Thanks for the good discussion.
And I think you’re correct in saying that Paul is adding to Corinthians understanding of our freedom in Christ, not negating it entirely.
ESV!!! *virtual fist bump* and good points you’re making, btw!
This is really interesting. I don’t think I had ever thought about this verse in that way either. Thanks for sharing!
I think my tendency was to just avoid that verse because it seemed many people would use that verse as an argument to do what they wanted to do and I always felt like that was probably not the way God intended for that verse to be used.
Yeah, there are ton of misuses for the verse! It’s like so many people know the first part and ignore the next part. “not all things edify”!
Well, it’s been a while since I’ve commented here, but here goes. It really depends on the context in which you live. In a more conservative community, piercings would attract too much attention, be perceived as extremely rebellious, and steal the focus from God. But in other communities (such as mine) it’s basically a normal thing to do, so it’s not such a big deal. (Older folk, however, would probably disagree.) Anyways, carefully consider what other people you encounter will interpret you as representing—is it a rebellious woman or something more neutral? Will the focus be placed more on God or more on yourself?
I totally agree! I like the way you said it too 🙂
Well, the only thing I could find in the Bible about this is “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” from Leviticus 19:28. But, you’re not talking about piercing yourself for a dead person. ;-P And that’s in the OT law right next to “You shall not round off the hair on your temples” lol. So, I’ll just echo what @disqus_oMHOgFTIn3:disqus and @karljacobn:disqus said, that a lot of it depends on your community, and be careful of the image your conveying. =)
but that was the old cavanant, we live following the new covanant
Exactly, that’s why I brought up the point that it was right next to “You shall not round off the hair on your temples.” and stuff. =P
sry, i just read the first sentence
Haha don’t worry about it! =)
You shall not round off the hair on your temples… what does that even mean?!
Ha! I don’t even know….
Come on, you’re the one who posted it! You should know!
I think “rounding the hair off your temples” is referring to what’s now known as the monk haircut. Ya know, they completely shave the middle of their head, and have this one ring of hair around the circumference of their head; right around the temples! In Biblical times, I know that at least prophets wore this hairstyle; such as Elisha. Some boys actually made fun of his haircut calling him “bald head” and ended up being eaten by bears!! (2 Kings 2:23-25) So, in the old testament, I guess that haircut was pretty serious! hahaha..
Oh, that would make sense! (How did you know this?! My OT history is a little lacking…)
Btw, I know you’ve been around here for a little while now, but welcome to the Rebelution! 🙂 I’ve really appreciated your comments!
hahaha…well, I’m a homeschooler now, but I went to private christian school for a few years and the Elisha story was one of the things we studied about and it stuck cuz it was kind of funny…kind of intimidating! 😉 lol
And thank you for the welcome!!! 😀 I’ve known about this site for years, but I’ve never gotten around to checking it out.. =P we just moved out of country, as called by God, so I really need the sphere of strong Christian teens giving uplifting advice! Even if it’s not meant directly for me! 😉 It’s helping to keep me thinking and praying and reading God’s word!
So thank you also!!! =D
That story kept me from laughing at bald folks for many years!
You’re welcome! May I ask where you are now? If you don’t want to tell me, I totally understand! 🙂 you’re welcome =)
haha same! And no! I don’t mind at all! We are in Zambia in south-central Africa! =) I have a link to my blog on my disqus profile if you, or anyone else, are interested! I mainly post stories about what our family is doing here and what God is doing in my life!
Great! I’ll check it out. 🙂
Wait… *squints at screen* YOU CHANGED YOU SCREEN NAME! Haha, how long did it take me to notice? (too long, i’m sure.)
Haha, I was “Josh A the Guitar with Arms” for a while, I only changed to “Guitar with Arms” a couple of days ago. =) I’m enjoying my newfound anonymity, except for the fact that all y’all still know my name. =P
Haha, okay Mr. Guitar with Arms. My anonymity was blown after i wrote an article. But none of you know my last name! Mwahahaha 😛
Ya, there’s also a verse in Leviticus that says not to clip the tip or your beard off. So basically, these were special rules for the Israelites to set them apart as part of the Old Covenant, which has been replaced.
Exactly! =)
I would agree with what others have said; that while it isn’t technically wrong, you have to think through how it will affect the image others have of you. Will it reflect badly on your character to have the piercing? Will it lead other people to make wrong judgments of you before they really know you?
-Grace (meyougod.blogspot.com)
God convicts people of different things. I’ve heard stories of people who God told never to speak again and so they chose never to use their ability of speech again. Not to say that everything is subjective!! Some things are pretty clearly defined in the Bible as right and wrong (10 Commandments, Fruits of the Spirit, etc.). But other things are more specific to the person. And let me be clear that what is particular to the person is defined not by their own desires, personal feelings, etc. but by seeking God who will then reveal to you what he wants for your life. the subjectivity is in the personal conviction you receive from the Holy Spirit. Not yourself.
My personal convictions have a hard time thinking that many body piercings outside of the ear are okay. Honestly, the nose is the one I’ve always struggled with knowing how I feel on the issue. Why do I think the ear is different? Well, the earring is talked about in the Bible quite often in a positive way! They are given as gifts in Exodus 35:22; and Proverbs 25:12 compares an earring to a “wise reprover” as a symbol of beauty. However, nowhere in the Bible do I see God using nose-rings in reference to anything except their undue place in a pig’s snout (see Proverbs 11:22); however, someone please correct me if I’m wrong about it not being used otherwise!! I could certainly be wrong! Therefore, because I see no other real reference to piercings in the Bible in a positive way outside of the earring, I have chosen not to get any other piercings.
Which brings me to another point. I mentioned that the nose ring is one I struggle with knowing whether or not its wrong. So why have I chosen not to get one if I think it “may” be okay? Here is the main point to everything I am saying here: WHEN IN DOUBT, ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION!! Note: I don’t mean that if God is telling someone to do something and they just don’t like the idea, they have the right not to do it! If God tells us to do something, then we should do it) I’m saying if we doubt that something is WRONG or SINFUL then we should err on the side of caution.
If you are having any doubts about getting the nose-ring, then I advise you to just steer clear of it. You can’t go wrong NOT getting one! I mean, of course it can happen, but odds are God isn’t telling you, “I want you to get a nose ring!” So, I doubt you would be disobeying God not to get one…
Also, what is your motivation behind getting the nose-ring? I know you said you wanted to get a meaningful symbol, but WHY do you want it? Are you desiring to “fit in” with people around you? Is your desire to glorify God with the outward symbol on your nose?
Here is something I’ve learned (from an Adventures in Odyssey if you know what that is 😉 ) is that an action is either done as the “wrong thing for the wrong reason”, the “right thing for the right reason”, the “right thing for the wrong reason”, and the “wrong thing for the right reason”!! Even if your “reason” for getting the piercing is right (“You want to glorify God” or some other positive..this is just an example..) it is still possible the action is wrong! Of course if your motivation is wrong, then it follows that the action would be also….
So I encourage you to pray!! God will give you the answer you seek! If he wants you to get a nose ring, then he will reveal that to you. Also, since you have asked the advice of people on here, then I encourage you to read these comments and then pray through them as well!! And if, in the end, there is even a smidgen of doubt still in your mind, it’s probably best NOT to get the piercing.
Sorry…I know my first comment was long, but I just want to add one more thing: we have to be careful how much importance we put of “what people think” of us…Truthfully, it doesn’t matter what people think!!! We need to be careful not to put more importance on people’s opinions than what God is calling us to do. However, as people have said, we also need to be mindful of what example we are displaying…I don’t think it’s about your “image” as much as it is about “example”. Is a nose piercing a “positive example” or a negative one? So, when you think about what “image” you’re giving off to others, think of it more in the context of “Will what I’ve done lead others to make wrong choices?” yes, everyone is responsible for his/her own actions, but our examples often play a role in their decisions. Ask “Am I showing the light of Christ in this action?” it’s important to consider what others will think, but not of the level of “yourself”, but “How am I portraying God in my life? When people see me, do they see God?”
Some interesting discussions going on here. 😉 So I honestly don’t think there is anything wrong with getting a nose piercing. I have several godly friends who have nose piercings, but who clearly stand out from the world because of there godly character. I think the question you should ask yourself though, is “What is my motive for getting the nose piercing?” There could be a bad motive for you wanting to get the piercing and in that case you should pray and rethink your motives and be sure that it is done for God’s glory rather than for self attention or something else. But a nose ring or another piercing is not what is going to define a person or make them fit in or stand out from the world, but rather a persons godly character.
Just a few of my thoughts. Hope its helpful to someone. 😉
i dont think there is anything in the BIBLE saying that you cant get a piercing, but you need to ask yourself, how will this bring glory to GOD?
my friend has a belly button pierce, and i really dont see anything wrong with it, but, standing by my previous statement,pray about it, decide if it is glorifiing GOD.
First of all, body piercings themselves aren’t bad. It doesn’t make you a bad person to want the nose piercing (I think it’s kinda cool, actually) and it shouldn’t affect the image other people have of you because there are plenty of wonderful and nice and amazing and godly people with nose piercings. And, like you said, the fact that the piercing would be a cross would probably serve to be an opportunity to share the Gospel with some people.
I think the only thing, though, would be modesty. I recently learned that modesty not only concerns clothes (or lack thereof), but also how *different* your style is. See, being immodest means distracting others by one’s outward appearance. It’s a pitfall for me (because I like thinking I’m being rebellious and cool by not wearing what everyone else is wearing), and that is a possibility with getting a nose piercing–maybe standing out too much, unnecessarily. They aren’t too uncommon, though, unless you live in a super conservative town, in which case you might want to think twice about it.
Besides that, go for it, and you’re not the only one who wants to do something like that. I think I’d really like to get a tattoo someday…maybe a 11Six one around my ankle, or something really small and symbolic. Hope this helps!
Well I know that nose rings are mentioned in the Bible in a positive light (Ezekiel 16:12, and Isaiah 3:21). The problem was that they (Israel) used them wrong. If you will get one, make sure that your attitude and why you want one is correct.
Thank you for clarifying that!! Sorry about my mistake!
your welcome.
I personally don’t think that is has a whole lot do with religion. I think it has to do more with what your parents think and how much it alters your body. But as @hannahcroswell:disqus said the Bible does say to a small extent.
Well people have a lot of good comments down below but, I don’t think it wouldn’t be a bad thing to get a nose ring! Especially if you have a cross or something in it. I think people are surprised when Christians have tattoos or more uncommon piercings because people have beaten other people down so much about these things. I think it would be a great conversation starter for some people!
A very interesting question, Jaynie! Here are my thoughts.
I don’t think that getting a nose piercing is wrong. I personally really like the look of nose studs and I’m thinking about getting one myself in the future (What’s holding me back is the whole pain thing. :D).
I know that some people say you shouldn’t get piercings or tattoos because of the verses in Leviticus and Deuteronomy that say you shouldn’t mark or cut yourself. But I want to point out that those commandments were laws in the OT, for the Israalites. Galatians 3:23-25 says: “Before faith in Christ came, we were guarded by the law. We were locked up until this faith was made known. So the law was put in charge of us until Christ came. He came so that we might be made right with God by believing in Christ. But now faith in Christ has come. So the law is no longer in charge of us.” Rather, we are to follow the new commandments that Jesus has given in the NT. Also, the context of these verses was marking and tattooing “for the dead” – I haven’t investigated this too much, but I wouldn’t be surprised of this was refering to some sort of witchcraft ritual of a non-Israalite nation.
Some people then counter this by mentioning the verse that says you should honor God by not harming your body, as your body is a temple. I would like to point out that the context of this verse is sexuaI immorality, not whether or not you should get piercings; “Flee from sexuaI immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexualIy, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
Another verse some people may use is the one about women’s modesty (1 Timothy 2:9-10). “likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” Paul’s whole point here is not that woman shouldn’t wear expensive clothing or jewellery, or do their hair. His whole point is that our looks shouldn’t be our focus. Our focus should be how we act toward other people. I personally have found that unless I feel good about myself, I can’t treat other people very well. Looking nice (not over the top flawless makeup, perfect hair, etc, but respectable and presentable) makes me feel so much more confident and happy. So, it’s okay to like pretty things – it’s when we become obsessed or vain about them that we have a problem.
I do think, though, that the look of the piercing can be important. I mean, having piercings all over your face just doesn’t look Christian; it looks wordly. Some types of piercings, too, look very punk and weird, if you know what I mean. And I also feel like people with those kind of piercings are just crying out: ‘Look at me, I’m so cool, I have these huge piercings!’ That isn’t a Christian attitude, it’s a worldy attitute, and Christians need to stay away from that.
So, yeah. My thoughts. If anyone disagrees or has anything to add I’d love to have a discussion with you. 🙂
Some great comments below!
For me, I’d say, it’s personal conviction that comes after examining Scripture,
prayers, and sussing out your motivation. As for Scripture, I don’t think the
Bible says a whole lot that’s relevant to this, though that should be
double-checked. Prayer you can do on your own. With motivation, ask yourself,
why do I want this? Can I honour God with it? In your case, Jaynie, it
sounds like you’re seeking to do right and honour God, and I think the same
would be true of a lot of us with the same question. But still give it a good examine.
(As examples of questionable motivation, why get a belly button ring? Really,
it’s purpose is to show off something that is not supposed to be shown off. And
if you’re going to keep it hidden, well, why have it? Same for a tongue ring,
although that’s even more extreme. Tongue rings have a purpose I won’t state
here.) So check your motivation (this is where modesty comes in too), and
if you believe that you can do it while glorifying God, I’d think it’s OK.
Sussing out? That must be an Aussieism…
Really? Oh… 😛 Pretty much means ‘checking out.’
Yep. I only know it from this one movie I watched once.
Great advice, Cassie! I love all of your questions that a person can ask themselves to determine what their decision would be on this topic. Thank you for posting!
-Clare
Thanks Clare!
It is very interesting reading all these different perspectives! I do agree that we are now under the New Covenant, but keep in mind that being under grace doesn’t give us an excuse to do what we want. Quite the opposite! When you realize how much Jesus loves you, you want to please Him!!!
That being said, the New Testament actually does talk about our bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit; which are God’s.”
Jesus thinks we are soo valuable that we are worthy of Him living in! We should reflect on the outside what we have on the inside! Jesus thinks we are perfect just the way He made us.
And, since we are talking about this on the Do Hard Things website, not getting piercings (not going along with the world) can and is hard! However, it is really worth it in the end!
So may I conclude from this that you do not particularly favor the idea?
Correct, I think it is best to keep your body clean and clear, just the way God made us. Besides, why should we try to blend in with the world? As Romans 12:2a says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Part of doing hard things is going against what everyone else is doing (and right now, everyone is getting tattoos and body piercings!)
From the view of your first sentence, may I infer that you would hold that not even ear piercings are acceptable and Tattoos aren’t acceptable, etc.? I fully agree that we shouldn’t be conformed to the world, but I don’t really think (in this situation) that is the question… I think the question was to ask if people were offended by weird piercings. The flow of what everyone else is doing fluctuates… in another 50 years, i doubt that this will be the “in” thing. Just like right now, a really popular haircut for guys is short all around with the front spiked and a little longer. Does that mean that we should just run from a harmless haircut because it’s popular?
Alright, so a quick overview of mentions in the Bible of
nose rings:
In Genesis 24, Abraham’s servant put a nose ring on
Rebekah’s nose (Genesis 24:22, 47 NIV’84)
And in Ezekiel 16:12 the LORD told of how He (allegorically)
put a ring on Israel’s nose:
“And I put a ring upon thy nose, and ear-rings in thine
ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head.” –Ezekiel 16:12 KJV
And then there’s my favorite one (I hope and assume this
isn’t your case) “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who
shows no discretion.” –Proverbs 11:22 NIV’84
Now, I’ve read most of the posts and comments here, and see that no one brought these verses up and—just because I can (although I don’t have much experience in such matters)—I thought I’d add a little bit of practical advice: Make sure that you’re willing to have that third hole in your nose for the rest of your life, because a friend of mine says that if you have it for five years, the nose piercing is not likely to grow shut afterwards. (He had a lip piercing for a few years before getting saved, and the hole has grown shut on the inside, a thin layer, but not on the outside of his lip.)
So, if you’d live to be 90 and in a retirement home or wherever, you’d have to either always have a nose ornament in, or have a hole there. And, I don’t know what would happen if you sneeze… :^( with it in…. or, if the hole would be big enough to make a difference when you sneeze without it. Could get interesting =v)
I think its great that you actually included stuff from scripture that is about this very issue. And it is really good for someone to think about, if they would want that same piercing to still be there 20 years from now. So GREAT point!! I totally agree!!:)
“Could get interesting” LOL!
Wow, you are a bible knowledge stud!
lol, there is such a thing as a Bible verse search engine =v) Although I had remembered two of the verses, I had forgotten about the one in Ezekiel =v)
Good stuff to think about, guys! I’m not allowed to get piercings other than one ear piercing until i’m out of the house, and so i respect my parents decision in that. But what y’all have said has been very thought provoking and helpful! Thanks for contributing!
In my view, when we have issues like this where the Bible dosent say “Thou shalt not get nose-piercings” it becomes a matter of personal conviction, like smoking or drinking.
Great thoughts everyone!
“it becomes a matter of personal conviction, like smoking or drinking.” Just to clarify: you probably know this but the Bible does say you are not allowed to get drunk (I assume you meant then, whether or not you’re allowed to drink without getting drunk or completely avoided alcohol consumption).
Yes, but thanks for clarifing
Smoking is harmful to the body, so that really doesn’t connect with preference of conviction, it is just a plain bad idea. As for drinking without getting drunk, I think, that is fine, but also doesn’t connect to this specific issue.
My point was that the Bible does not say “do not smoke” or “do not drink alcohol”
However, I think, the Bible talks about the body as God’s temple, and how we should not abuse it.
What I am saying is(not to be rude) that your example doesn’t seem to fit logically with your conclusion, but your conclusion, I think, is right.
If you feel in your conscience like it would be a sin, then that’s between you and the Lord. For me, I feel like it’s totally fine. Yes, you’re God’s temple, but in my mind piercings in no way defile that temple. So, if your parents permit and your conscience is clear, go for it! 🙂
This is right on! tx Rebekah
I think that it is based on personal conviction and preference in this case. I would as long as it isn’t hindering the way you see yourself (your identity is found in Jesus Christ and not in piercings/physical appearance) then it is fine. Yeh and pretty much what everyone said, but I wouldn’t want to repeat them.
I personally have never gotten piercings anywhere other than my ears. However, I do have three piercings in each ear. Some people might think that’s not a huge deal, and when I got them, I didn’t either.
A few summers ago I was helping out in the kitchen at a Christian summer camp. Most of the kitchen staff were elderly ladies, and from the minute I stepped inside the kitchen, I got the feeling that none of them liked me. I thought at first that it may have just been my imagination, but throughout the week, the feeling didn’t go away.
I asked one of the other girls I was working with if there was any reason why these ladies might dislike me – maybe something I had said or done when I first got there. She pointed out my earrings. I couldn’t believe it. They were just earrings. Sure I had a few more than some people, but still. I didn’t think it was a big deal, and yet my earrings might have ruined my testimony to these other ladies.
So is it okay to get body piercings? 1 Corinthians 10:23 would suggest that it is ‘okay.’ But is it profitable? I think that’s the question you need to be asking yourself and God.
This is an excellent practical point/truth that we can’t really affect. While I think the reaction wasn’t a godly one, it can be hard to accept new things like that when you’re older. Just think, our kids will probably have friends that wake up in the morning and play eeny-meeny to decide if they’ll be a boy or a girl that day.
@hannahwatters:disqus Said it well! I think this is one of those areas where you need to question your motives as well as what the people regularly around you think. If it would be a stumbling block, for those people I wouldn’t recommend getting a body piercing (Other than the ears…). Now, I personally don’t see anything wrong with a girl getting piercings (for the most part), though very few look attractive (to my) save in the ear. Just my two cents, but as a dear friend of my would say, ask what are your purposes, goals and motives before you do anything like that. 🙂
Well, what do your parents think? Is this a good use of your money? Are you doing it to get noticed? How’s your conscience? Honestly it’s not very clear cut, but if after praying over these and whatever other questions, you’re convinced your motives are good , than go for it.
hey all. I don’t think the bible says anywhere about noise rings being wrong I might be wrong. I hate to see people with them in, they look so out of this world with them in. I believe that as Christian we shouldn’t have them. As Christian we need to stand out and having a noise ring in your noise is that going to make you stand out? Some Christian are having them, but if you do it it can make you not stand out so much.
So we don’t want to show our individualism by all looking the same? 😀
Hi Jaynie! I don’t think there is anything particularly wrong with getting body piercings. I personally think they are tacky. If you get a piercing, be prepared to be stereotyped into a certain group. My other piece of advice is to examine why you really want a piercing. What would you accomplish by getting one?
This is a point that is not addressed in the Bible. In fact, Rebeka from the Bible had a nose ring as an engagement symbol. Of course, that was a normal cultural thing. However, in this culture I think that most of the people who have nose rings are the “wild crowd”, in other words not a very good group. That is what most people will think of. Of course, your words, attitude, and actions will speak way louder than a nose ring. So, to echo most of what’s been said, here is the list of questions to ask:
1. Is it OK with your parents (this is the first one for a reason).
2. What are your motives? It it because you want to fit in with a certain group or be cool (which I doubt is your case), or because you think it it pretty/cool?
3. Do you think you’ll regret it or like it when you’re older?
My personal decision is to not get piercings, just because I don’t have the desire to get them and I don’t really like piercings anywhere other than ears (I REALLY don’t like eyebrow, lip, tongue, etc.). My grandpa used to say to my mom when she was young (and while I don’t agree to the fullest), “If God wanted you to have holes in your [ears, nose, etc.), He would’ve put them there!). 😀
Oh my word, that’s what my Grandpa used to say, haha 😀
Just a quick note:
just because it would be a cross doesn’t mean people would know that u r a Christian. My Pastor/Dad once talked to a young person who was wearing a cross, and asked them if they knew what it really was. They replied no… they just liked it ‘cuz it was so simple, neat, and clean. my Dad got a chance to explain…
Most likely (in my estimation) a cross nose ring would make more people assume that u weren’t a Christian than that u were.
Thanks for bringing that up, Joy! Crosses nowadays have become more mainstream and it is super hard to tell who’s wearing them as a sign of their belief in Jesus or simply to make a fashion statement.
I think you’re right. A friend of mine once asked, “If Jesus had been shot, would people wear a little gun around their neck?” (Probably not…) The cross is often worn as a pretty decoration rather than a reminder of the death that Jesus died.
Hey Jaynie – I’m a 21 year old Christian Youth Pastor who recently got my nose pierced and don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. If your parents are ok with it and you feel comfortable (like it’s not sinful) then go for it! Nose piercings close up pretty quickly so if you don’t like if you can always just take it out and you’re not going to be left with a huge hole in your face. My mum has had one for like 20 years and you take it out and hardly notice the hole. Leave it for a bit and it’d close up.
If you want a cross I don’t see what’s wrong with that. Might start conversations and it might not – crosses seem to be in fashion for everyone now days.
Hope my input is helpful 🙂
well, it says in the bible that you shouldn’t alter your body in any way, if I am correct.
The Bible says in Leviticus 19:28 not to make cuts on yourself for the dead or tattoo yourself. It says nothing about piercings or making other “alterations” to your body. But if the Bible did say not to alter your body, that would include not cutting or coloring your hair, not trimming your nails, girls couldn’t paint their nails different colors, etc. I don’t think the Bible has anything against these things.
do u have that reffrence? and does that include like surgery and stuff? or a hair cut?
not really…
While I am no expert, I don’t see anything horrible morbid about getting a piercing. However, I DO see something wrong if it damages or disrespects your body. God has blessed you with a wonderful and fearful physical body. This means that by taking care of the body that was given to you by God, you are honoring Him. Your body is a temple, be sure to treat it like one.
i wouldn’t want to go to a temple with a ton of rings and tattoos all over it.
The temple that Solomon built was ornamented with large amounts of gold, fine fabric, and carvings. I think that you are thinking of all ornaments as gaudy and gross, and I see your point of view, but know that just as we tastefully decorate our houses and places of worship, the body can also have decoration that is tasteful.
that’s not my point, I mean everyone judges a book by it’s cover…we are told not to but we do.
that’s how it works. I admire the book smarts in bringing up Solomon and his temple. but solomon did NOT do everything right… he had thousands of wives and many riches.
I agree, strongly. You are doing it out of taste and style which is nothing bad or wrong… I think a bellybutton can give the wrong message or in your tongue because of kissing and lust but even that is debatable. In fact, people will see you can have a piercing with the same intention of knowing, glorifying and living for the lord. Be sure to let people know that you are all for him. That is refreshing
okay, so I really love piercings. Granted, I only have my ears pierced. My mom won’t let me get anymore till I turn18. I personally think that there is nothing morally wrong with getting a nose piercing, I’ve considered it. My one thought is keep it small, that way if you ever want to get rid of it, it isn’t so obvious. You don’t want a huge piece of metal on your nose! Think of what that would be like when you have a cold 😛 But seriously, I am not opposed to body piercings as long as they don’t cross the fine line of looking “Low” Like I wouldn’t recommend an eyebrow or tongue piercing. Or belly button piercing, since no one should see your belly button anyways! I think nose piercings or cartilage piercings can look cute as long as they are small and not loud. The purpose of our lives is to bring glory to God, not ourselves!
I want to clarify that when I said low I meant people that you wouldn’t really want to meet in the dark. I think that anything considered “daring” or “rebellious,” more specifically, multiple of those is low.
Oooh, i like your new profile picture 🙂
thanks! The result of this morning’s photo shoot 🙂
Anything with a violin, right? So you get to see my baby, Tillie! She’s treated like a baby too! Okay, so I really, really love my violin 😛 Now I need to see yours!!
Exactly. Oh my, you named your violin! What brilliance!!! (now i have to name mine…) 🙂
oh yes! I name EVERYTHING! I had to name my violin since she’s got such a personality! And she’s small and cute so she needed a small and cute name 😛 I need to hear what you name yours and a pic!!!!
Haha! I love to name things too! Glad to meet someone else like that. 😉
oh yes. Its always good to meet another person like me! There aren’t very many 😛
I am a Christian, and I have been all my life and I have my first and second ear piercings. I do not see piercings as dishonouring God in any way. Yes the Bible says the body is a temple and we should look after it, but piercings are not harmful to the body. In reply to the person who said we shouldn’t alter the body in any way, technically when you get a haircut or have dental work you are altering your body, but those things are not sinful. Also I think Isaac gave Rebekah a nose ring when they got married!? So basically if you want a piercing and it’s not going to upset you I think that it’s fine 🙂
Amen!
i think he means, coloring on top of the nails and e.c.t. is okay. because it is not altering your body it comes right off, also what is an up vote?
It’s just like a “like” button. No real purpose, but it just shows agreement with the person who wrote the comment.
thanks, you guys are so nice!
:), thanks Jonah! Yeah, it’s a great community to hang out with! I’ve learned a lot from everybody on here myself. Hope you stick around!
everyone is really nice. i’ve only been on since April and I just love it! Honestly, I’m addicted. never thought I’d say that! 😛 And definitely stick around, it only gets better!!
Questions:
Could it be a stumbling block to others?
Could it affect my testimony in a negative way?
Is it physically harmful?
Are you doing this out of a negative motive?
If you ask me for preference, I would say no body piercings(including ear rings) looks the best, and forget make up(you look better without it). Being heath conscience is a good idea. But, most of all, what is inside counts the most. 😉
So you’re basically saying that its better to have nothing on your face whatsoever? How do you think this is compatible with today’s culture? Especially since so many things are considered the norm. Just wanted to clarify. Thank you!
I am saying that my personal preference is no body piercings and no make up, but I am NOT saying, “Oh, you are so wicked to have make up, piercings, or tattoo’s!”
In my eyes, no tattoos, no piercings, and no(artificial) make up = better looking.
However, I am not condemning people for having them(my Mom has ear rings and uses make up).
And, I don’t think one way or the other is necessarily “more righteous.”
Too sum it up: Think about the consequences before you do anything. 😉
got it. Thanks!
I agree with you Josiah!
I totally agree!
im a guy so i probaley wont get one 🙂 but i dont think there terrible. like i think a small stud is kinda cool i the nose. huge rings are kinda not that awesome in my opnion.
Jesse! Haven’t seen you in a while… 🙂 How’ve you been?
Yo! ya I don’t really have tons of time so im kinda on here sporadically… not to terrible 🙂 how about yourself?
I’m doing good! Well, I’m glad you made time to hop into this DQ, I always appreciate what you say. 🙂
I got my nose pierced for my 18th birthday a couple of weeks ago. I had wanted it for awhile, but decided to wait a few years so I could be 100% sure it was something I wanted to do.
Before getting it pierced, ask yourself what your motive is behind getting it! Originally, I wanted mine done because it was cute. I knew that this was a self-glorifying reason, so I put my desire for a diamond stud on the back burner.
I’ll be headed to college this fall, and I started up a Bible study and so far we have about 120 girls planning to attend (Praise God for them!!). After getting to know some of the girls, I realized that the vast majority of them are very legalistic and abide by so many “rules” (for example, drinking is sinful, tattoos are sinful, piercings are sinful). They believe that what you either do or don’t do with your body determines how happy God is with you, which in turn determines whether you’ll be let through to heaven or not. This mindset couldn’t be farther from the truth of the Gospel- that Jesus died (and resurrected!) so that we no longer have to abide by the Law. We are sinful by nature, and there is no way that we could or will ever be good enough to earn our salvation. The good news of the Gospel is that we are now saved by grace through faith, not by works!
So when I turned 18, I revisited that desire of getting a nose piercing. I decided that it will be beneficial to my personal testimony, and hopefully it will help me strike up a few conversations with these girls so I can share the Gospel with them. Though originally my reason for getting it was a selfish one, the reason I ended up getting my nose pierced was solely God-glorifying.
Basically, what I’m saying is this- if you want a piercing/tattoo/whatever so that you can more effectively spread, share, and live out the Gospel, GET IT. However, I would definitely suggest praying about it, reading some Scripture, and considering how this will help you, specifically, be on mission. I’ll be praying that the Lord guides you in this decision!!
Excellent response, Mary Elizabeth!
Thanks so much, Hannah!
I admire your thought process & reasoning.
It highlighted for me good reasoning for why & how it can be a great witness tool for sharing the Grace of God & freedom in Christ.
May Christ continue to be your source of wisdom 🙂
It is not my reason to judge anyone one for their decision but it is my duty to express the truth. I Corinthians 6: 19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. Reading God’s Holy Word gives me the understanding that my body doesn’t belong to me; it belongs to God. It should be my duty to make sure that i consult God in everything concerning this body. The Holy Spirit is the most effective witness we can have. The book of Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The most effective witnessing tool is the power of the Holy Spirit. You do not have to adapt the word methods to witness. God gave us examples how to witness and never did He have to go get piercings/tattoos to be effective. God gave us through the Holy spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such their is no law this is the true witness to drawing souls to Jesus Christ our Lord. I am not saying that if you have a piercing or tattoo you can’t be a witness because God is Sovereign that means ruler and can use who He wants to spread the Word. We need make sure we have a true relationship with Him not based on our ideas because we don’t want to hear him say depart from me because i never knew you. I pray that we get to know Him as Lord our Saviour, redeemer, healer, leader, friend ETC
. He will never lead us wrong, he will help us make the right decisions. We can’t lean on our own understanding but we have to acknowledge HIM IN EVERYTHING WE DO!!!!
Right, most of the time I feel that when Christians do certain things that seem questionable, and it makes your feel ashamed then dont do it
I am a Mormon so I think no because your body is a temple and should be respected.
NO! Plain and simple.I would highly suggest reading “Unmasked” by Lori Wagner and Gwyn Oakes and I believe it will awnser your question.First of all though pray most definitely!Ask God if this is wrong show me remove the desire,and if you listen and wait I KNOW God will awnser you!Second of all,ask yourself if you believe the ENTIRE word of God and if you awnser yes then here is a couple of scriptures to help you
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Leviticus 19:28 – Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I [am] the LORD.
Also every time the Israelites repented (truly) they would take off the jewelry,but yet every time they sinned you can see that they had it back on.Hope this helps everyone else too.I will be praying for you Jaynie that God would reveal this truth unto you!😊
I think the passage in Leviticus is for the Jewish law… and it says “for the dead” so it probably means cutting yourself for Satan or something. If it helps you make disciples then get it.
No it wasn’t for the Jewish law. God says not to make ANY markings so take that Deut 14 :1
Ye are the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves,
True there is a comma but, it plainly states don’t do it!
How can you make disciples when your bible tells you NOT to? Sorry,but that’s being a hypocrite.
Also Jaynie if you have a question or is it wrong attitude.God’s giving you heads up ” uhh that’s not right”.
Was not Leviticus apart of the Jewish Law, The Torah, The Pentateuch.
For an example people with a memorial tattoo ( so and so 2012-2013 may he rest in peace)
and I remind you the cross represents shame and death.You have a witness already if you are living the Christian lifestyle. How will it make disciples going against supposedly your God’s word? That ain’t gonna happen.
Yes, your body is a temple to the lord. I can be just as strong a believer with piercings or tattoos, and im planning on getting one of each. Besides, if we’re not allowed to decorate ourselves, why dress up for church? (I dont but still) why wear wedding/engagement rings? Why should some people care about fashion? We can glorify God decorated or plain, fancy or casual.
I think it’s alright if you are still honouring God
I have always believed in God. And I have had pierced ears since I was twelve And got my nose pierced at the age of 60. I always loved when I saw a little diamond on the nose. I thought it was pretty that is why I did it. We all wear jewelry of some kind. And being a woman and wearing clip on earrings hurt like heck! So I have no regrets in piercing my ears. I still read the bible , pray and believe the God sent his only son to die for our sins. Did not Christ say judge not least ye be judged! And besides. When we die it is our spirit that lives on not our body! If God tells me to get rid of my piercings I would do it! But I have not received the message yet. So far the only message I have received is one of love!
I only 13 so please feel free to tell me your opinions. My opinion is if you are getting piercings or/and tattoos make sure you are doing that only for the glory of God and not for yourself. If you are getting a tattoo or piercing to remind you of God’s everlasting love then I say go for it.
I am also starting a blog on this same topic. Any advice would be helpful
I don’t quite understand when people are against holes in your face and not in your ears. Definitely not saying this in an argumentative way. Just some food for thought though as a young teen and still as an adult I always loved piercings. I had some facial piercings at 15 and 16. Still do today. I recall my mom getting me to go to church. She gave me a flower dress to wear.
( guess to look christian?) So I wore it, spiked my fire red hair up and threw on my ” kiss boots” as my dad called them. They had a women’s group that day and I had never felt so uncomfortable in my life. As a teenager I did not believe in God. I sat there while they talked for over an hour about how piercings were harming the temple and so forth. Meanwhile all eyes on me. And I was so angry. All I could think was HYPOCRITES. All sitting there with holes in there ears almost every single one. Meanwhile I’m cutting myself and suicidal. I said all that to say this. Do we really think God is that focused on holes in our face versus our ears? Could someone have truly used some discernment that day and focused on what huge opportunity that was missed. I was suicidal and instead of sharing Christ’s love they let me know how much more disappointing I was to God! It’s a dying world out there. We should be more concerned with actually sharing Christ and his love and letting people know how much jesus loves them. So much so he died on the cross for our sins. When I got saved. It was because as I stood there being prayed for I was overcome with so much love. And I remember thinking you love me lord even though I’ve done drugs, had sex out of wed lock, 2 children by 2 different fathers. Etc. I never felt guilt or shame for what hole I had in my face. It was only those in the church that made me feel shame. Now do others have convictions. Absolutely. And you should follow those convictions. But, I refuse to dress a certain way, change my appearance in any way shape or form to appear more ” Godly”. If God gives me a conviction then yes. But, he told me long ago that because of the way I looked I could reach those that the church doesn’t deem as worthy through appearance!
Hi Sabrina. At the small, conservative local church where we go, maybe a majority of the young men/boys happen to have worn earrings. Ear piercing for young women and young men is rather benign, imho; what we need to do, rather, is concentrate on the great truths of Scripture about the Person and Work of Christ. Studding the earlobes is not really about anything to do with faith and doctrine; it’s simply more to do with being or becoming adolescents and adults. Ear piercing and “Hey, I’m a young adult” so often go together; go for it/don’t go for it (if for under 18s, parents need to be consulted), but to keep looking up (Hebrews 12.2) is what’s really essential.