First off, if you're not sure, try a temporary tattoo like a henna one or a press on tattoo, or even use some semi permanent tattoo pens to see if you're ok with the look. They fade pretty quickly so it won't be the same as making a lifetime commitment.
Quite a lot of people who have tattoos totally hate needles, but they get it done anyway because they like having art on their skin. Think of it like something beautiful coming from pain.
It's up to you whether you think you can take the pain though. Some of my friends describe it as annoying scratching or itching, while others said it was more like a mild burning feeling. But each person has a different pain tolerance, so, just go with what you think you can take.
As far as your your children go, well, getting a tattoo doesn't make you a bad parent, nor will it set a bad example. I've come across parents who are a bad example, and not all of them have ink. There are far worse things you can do to yourself that will also harm your children. Having a tattoo is not one of them.
As for your religious beliefs coming into conflict with having a tattoo, I think that's between yourself and your belief. I mean, only you can answer that. If you believe that god gives people free will, then it's your god given right to use that, and that includes whether or not to have a tattoo.
But, I will say, I know christians with a few tattoos, I know guys in biker groups who are christians and have loads of ink on them. But it doesn't make them any less christian; a tattoo doesn't suddenly make them an evil sinner or something like that; they're still out there living their faith.
What about a religious themed tattoo? I've seen some people get them as an affirmation of their faith and the process of the pain of getting a tattoo has been like a bonding experience between them and god.
There are even tattoo artists who are practicing christians out there. Maybe find one of them and talk to them about it.
Practically, do you know a reputable artist who practices all the health and safety precautions and makes good art? Are you certain that you want a tattoo and won't change your mind? Do you think that you can sit there for half an hour or maybe over an hour to have it done? Is the tattoo a sudden decision, or have you been thinking about it for a while?
Don't do it if you're not 100% sure, don't do it just on a whim because this ink is permanent. Laser removal can only do so much, and certain ink colours take more laser treatment than others to remove. Laser treatment has been said to hurt more than the tattooing.
If you're unsure, visit a few tattoo parlours, ask around and get to know the artists, look at their portfolios and see if you like their style.
Also bear in mind that ink fades with time and you might need to get it redone. As well as that, skin loses elasticity with age; what looked like a cool tattoo in the teenage years or 20s starts to get saggy and wrinkly.
I don't have any tattoos myself; partly because I don't know if I could pick some artwork and have it on my skin for the rest of my life. I'm too fickle. :tongue: