Smoking becomes a sinful habit for the Christians when the outcome of the action does not portray righteousness and holiness.
I was tempted by my friends during high school to join in smoking cigarettes. Teenagers are the most sensitive to the mess of smoking.
Today’s message will explain the meaning of sin and the significance of smoking for Christians.
The printed bible we read does not contain all events as mentioned in John chapter 21 verse 25. So, it is dangerous for you to say you will do things not mentioned in the bible.
Sin is simply defined as a wrong action that is not pleasing to the LORD and not beneficial to humanity. If a wrong action is not specifically mentioned in GOD’s commandments in the bible, then does it translate to righteousness?
As we move from generation-to-generation new ‘advance’ sins spring up in our midst which are acceptable by the society, thus such sins won’t appear in the Bible, but the Holy Spirit is here to tell you how wrong they are.
Origin of Smoking
I read on the Wikipedia that the history of tobacco dates to as early as 5000–3000 BC, cultivated in Mesoamerica and South America; consumption later evolved into burning the plant substance.
The practice turned into shamanistic rituals. Ancient civilizations – such as the Babylonians, the Indians, and the Chinese – burnt incense during religious rituals.
Smoking in the Americas had its origins in the incense-burning ceremonies of shamans but was later adopted for pleasure.
Statistics of Smoking
It is in the news that with 1.3 billion smokers in the world nearly 5 trillion cigarettes are consumed each year, contributing to more than 8 million deaths and nearly US $2 trillion in economic damage. And it is pathetic that smoking among young teens ages 13-15 has increased in 63 countries.
Benefits of Smoking
1. The smoking of tobacco and various hallucinogenic drugs was used to achieve trances and to encounter the spirit world.
2. Earlier, the Eastern North American tribes often smoked tobacco in ceremonial pipes, either in sacred ceremonies or to seal bargains.
3. The combination of tobacco plants to other herbs is used for medicine, but smoking has become a social event to derive pleasure.
The benefits of smoking mentioned above by the smokers are occult and harmful to Christians.
Effects of Smoking to the Body
The deadly effect of smoking erodes the idolatry and pleasure derived from smoking:
1. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
2. Causes several types and subtypes of cancers (particularly lung cancer, cancers of the oropharynx, mouth cancer etc.).
3. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death.
4. It causes diabetes.
5. Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems with the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
God’s View About Smoking
1. The origin of smoking was for idolatry purposes. GOD detests idolatry.
“You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.” (Deuteronomy 12:31)
2. Smoking is a social event for deriving pleasure. It does not correlate with the kind of pleasure the LORD wants for us.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)
3. The medicinal abuse of the tobacco plant is synonymous with the abuse of alcohol too.
4. The terrible side effects of smoking on your body will never be a joy to the LORD who created you.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
5. Smoking invites demons into you while it chases away the Spirit of GOD.
7 Powerful Ways to Stop Smoking
1. Do not imitate pastors who smoke because the LORD told me that anointing is different from salvation.
2. Surrender your entire life to the LORD and be ready for godly spiritual discipline.
3. Smoking is an addiction that can be stopped by your determination to obey the Holy Spirit all the time.
4. Read the whole bible with the determination to know more about the LORD you surrender your life to.
5. When the push to smoke comes then pick up your cell phone to talk to a servant of GOD about it.
6. Stay away from your old friends and always chat with good Christians who can help you.
7. Fasting and prayer is a strong spiritual exercise that yields miracle. Denying yourself a stick of cigar is fasting, then do not joke with your sincere prayers to the LORD and you will surely have your deliverance.
Smoking is a sin because it is a wrong concept and not beneficial to you and your neighbors. It separates you from the presence of GOD and exposes you to demonic influences. Tobacco and other smoking substances cause cancer and premature death which are not GOD’s plan for your life.
