Some recent trends have been bothering me lately, and as you may have gathered from the title, those things are: swagg, YOLO, and tattoo monsters. "Swagg" is derived from the word "swagger" which means "arrogant or self-confident behavior" (bet you didn't know that!). Modern young people have been using "swagg" to define themselves in a likeable manner for the past decade it seems, but they have no idea what they're really portraying. In its correct form, "swagger" describes an ostentatious person who boasts about their greatness. I can see the correlation now, since most people who say they have "swagg" are intentionally bragging. However, is that how young people want to be known- as self-confident fools? Yes, I said fools. A braggart is an idiot in the Lord's eyes (James 4:16 "But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil"). Why is a person who does not conform to mainstream fashion trends or use of phrases considered to have "no swagg"? Is it lame to be an individual? I don't think so! God didn't make you to walk around Earth with a chip on your shoulder talking about how much "swagg" you have! 1 Corinthians 1:31 says "so that, just as it is written, 'LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.'" Give God the glory He deserves, and stay humble.
As far as "The Motto" aka "YOLO" (You Only Live Once), a phrase coined by Canadian mainstream rapper Drake, that is utter ignorance. Had he said we only live on Earth once, he would be correct, but that goes without saying. The truth is that we all live and die in our earthly bodies, but we also live again in Heaven or Hell. Thinking that you only live once and can do whatever you want without suffering terrible consequences is the quickest way to Hell. If you believe God is real and His Word is true, then you know that God promises eternal life to those who love Him (and obey His commands!). Those who don't receive eternal punishment- either way you're not completely dead. Your spirit lives on, so I would suggest you get right with God and make sure you have a pass into the best place you could spend eternity in- Heaven!
Lastly, there are tattoo monsters walking around, Christians and non-Christians alike, who believe that inking their whole body up will make them cool. The phenomena of tattoos is a blog post all on its own, but in essence, there is no reason to tattoo your body for others to like you. I have studied and read about tattoos, and from my understanding the only verse about tattoos in Leviticus speaks about not marking your body for the dead. Tattoos began with sorcery and witchcraft! If you are doing it for that reason, then you're obviously not a Christian and I can't hold you accountable for knowing better; however, Christians should know not to tattoo memorials of the dead on their bodies. As far as "fitting in with society" goes, you shouldn't have to ruin your skin and bloodstream due to someone else's opinion of you. If you want get tatted, then it should be based on your own choice/opinion. "All things are lawful, but not all are edifying"! Personally, I don't care if you do, but I do think getting a permanent mark of your favorite sports team or animal on your arm shouldn't be a concern of yours. Focus on things that have eternal meaning! Years from now, if the Lord wills you to be a grandparent, you don't want to have to explain why grandma has "Grown N' Sexy" written on her lower back.
Be wise, be edifying, and be blessed!
