SHOULD CHRISTIANS SMOKE OR VAPE?

Should Christians smoke or vape is a frequently asked question. The answer to this question often varies based on personal opinions, culture or understanding of biblical teachings. However, the true answer to this question should not be based on human’s concept but on what the Scripture says is expected of followers of Christ.

What is smoking? Smoking is inhaling and exhaling smoke and sensations given by a lighted substance.

 What is vaping? Vaping is the inhaling and exhaling of vapour which comes from a device.

What commonality is shared by both smoking and vaping? Both are damaging to the respiratory system and cardiovascular function of the body. If something that can be avoided is damaging to the body, shouldn’t we avoid it?

Although there are no direct Scriptures that contain the word smoking or vaping. The Scriptures speak against activities which damages the body and we ought to be guided by the following Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 10:31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? God does not forcefully bind any human to Him. Every human is given the power of free choice. Therefore, everyone is free to do satisfy personal desires. Although we are free to make choices we should we be cautious before fulfilling carnal desires? No!!! We need to apply the brakes of: 1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

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

.1 Corinthians 3:17 - If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Are you a smoker or a vaper? Have you ever considered quitting? Have you tried to stop but the crave is so great that you continue? You can quit by allowing God to guide you. Be encouraged from these Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Galatians 6:7-8 - Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.   

⁸ For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting

In your struggle the prayer of your heart should be: Psalms 119:37 - Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in Thy way. In humility and surrender ask the Lord to give you the willpower to quit. Bearing in mind Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. It is the Holy Spirit which ministers to our needs as we seek the Lord and we ought to submit ourselves to its leading. Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

Is the habit of smoking or vaping causing you hurt, are you regretting your action but feel helpless?

Is it your way of relaxing? Is this habit a wedge between you and God? How does your habit affects your family? What about your health? How is your smoking habit affecting your finances? Are your problems getting you depressed and you take solace in smoking?

Whatever the circumstances which propelled you in this unhealthy practice can be changed. God is able to make the change. The devil will always try to seduce you and block your path to renewal, 1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

The Scriptures, Holy Spirit and the testimonies of the fallen who have been raised up are the guide to renewal, Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us

Psalms 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Sin  has marred our minds and our bodies. It has changed us from the perfect human God had created. In this present world we will not attain that perfection which Adam and Eve had before they sinned but we can live a godly life by the grace of God through Christ.

We have hope when we confess our sins and accept Christ as our Saviour and Friend. Jesus is the Best Friend anyone can desire. He is a Comfort, a Protector, a Way Maker, a Healer, a Provider and a Guide. He can permanently satisfy our needs.

Without Christ there is a void, an emptiness which grows wider and deeper the longer we stay outside of God’s friendship. When we accept Christ into our lives, we are complete. Therefore, there is no need for us to seek any other form of ‘comfort.’ Moreover, there is nothing which can give us that completeness and satisfaction which Christ gives.

God intended humans to have a close relationship with Him because they were created in His image and likeness. He desires humans to keep their bodies clean so that His Holy Spirit can dwell within them. Romans 12:1-2 – I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies as living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

 We often wonder why people use hard drugs, gamble, vape, smoke or consume alcohol. We are amazed that individuals will continue such destructive activities even when they recognize the ghastly effects. We need to understand that people continue on this destructive trend because they are being influenced negatively by Satan and his demons. Satan is working diligently to ensure that our bodies are not fit to be inhabited by the Holy Spirit. If our bodies cannot be inhabited by God it will be inhabited by demons.

Many religious persons say that smoking is not sinful. They debate that it is not written in the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible can you read ’do not smoke.’ however we must understand that many tenets of godliness are not plainly outlined in the Scriptures but they are there. 2 Peter 2:19 - While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. When we study God’s word, we are wise, we can make the right decision. Many persons who claim a lack of knowledge of right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable need to study God’s word.

 Jesus said in John 4:24 those who worship God must do so in spirit and in truth. Psalm 119:9 says wherewithal young man cleanse his way by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. It is the word of God which cleanses us and pinpoint sin. Psalm 119:105 tells us that the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The word of God teaches us how to identify right and wrong actions.

Psalm 119:129 tells us that the entrance of God’s word gives us light and give those who lack understanding knowledge.

 If we defile God’s temple which is our bodies God will destroy us. 1st Corinthians 3:17 says, ‘if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.’

Yes, readers if you smoke you defile the temple of God and God is going to judge you and destroy you just as you destroy His Temple at Jerusalem because the people had not only defiled themselves but had also defiled the Temple.

You may wonder why smoking defiles you let us examine a few scientific facts.

Smoking increases the rate of diabetes, asthma and other breathing problems

Smoking damages unborn babies. If a pregnant mother is a smoker the baby’s brain may be damaged or the baby might not develop properly

Smoking destroys your lungs, teeth and gums. Look into the mouth of a smoker and then look in that of a non-smoker and you will see vast differences.

Smoking changes your breath. People usually stay far from a smoker. Moreover, they do not want to breathe in second hand smoke.

Smoking add years to your face and it affects your appetite.

Smoking causes mouth, lung, chest and other forms of cancers.

Smoking generates strokes, heart attacks, blindness and impotence.

Smoking causes your arteries to become narrow therefore your blood does not flow properly

Smoking gives you emphysema

If you are a smoker here are some reasons why you should stop smoking.

· Quit smoking and live longer.

· Quit smoking and save money

· Quit smoking and reduce your chance of having a heart attack or  stroke

· Quit smoking and use your money to make live better for you and your family

· Quit smoking and use your resources to build the Ministry of God and help the needy

· Quit smoking and you will have fewer wrinkles

· Quit smoking and you will cough less and breathe freer, You will have more energy. You will not get tired so easily · 

Quit smoking and your body will not emit the scent of nicotine and other used substances. Your breath, clothes and surroundings will be fresher and better smelling. Persons will not readily know when you enter or leave a place if they did not see you.

As you read you may desire to stop smoking but you need help as you struggle with this desire. God is your present help. Open your heart to Him and ask Him to help you fight against this devilish desire.

Keep away from smokers and those who will ridicule you, read the Bible, pray and engage in true worship. No matter how intense the need to smoke please remember that your body is the temple of God and if you defile it God is going to destroy you when He returns.

Those who have resisted this destructive habit should assist and encourage other to break free.

Romans 15:1-2 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

² Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification

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An invitation is extended in - Revelation 3:21, ‘To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with My Father in His throne.

Rise above the habit. Be an overcomer. God be with you.

Writer - A. E. Fisher

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