Do any of you smoke?

[Calcemo]

I do. Secretly. Why is it we have to hide this from other Christians? Is it a sin?

It isn't sinful, but it's harmful, just like eating too much animal fat is harmful, or drinking too much alcohol, or eating too much candy. All have consequences for your body.

I wouldn't worry about what Christians think. Don't wrongly assume that their outside habits match clean hearts. Besides, it's your life. Quit for the right reasons.

 

[scrofford]

If you are still smoking and it doesn't bother you that you are poisoning the temple of God then I would wonder if you have ever sincerely come to Christ in the first place and been sealed and born of the Holy Spirit?

Did Mary smoke? Would Jesus smoke?

God bless.

I don't buy this one bit! Using tobacco isn't going to keep you out of the Kingdom of God and send you to hell. True enough, our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, but the way you word this is like you are trying to put someone into bondage through guilt, and that's NOT what God wants.

Addictions are part of this fallen world, and yes God can and does deliver people from all sorts of addictions. The fact of the matter is that God isn't a cookie cutter God. He doesn't always change someone's life exactly the same way He changed yours.

We as Christians need to pray for and try and help those who are having addiction struggles. Legalistic ways just don't work.

Jesus wouldn't smoke no. Who knows what addictions some of Jesus' disciples had? They were a pretty rough crowd. The bottom line is that if we submit to the Holy Spirit and ask God to help us, He will. But getting caught up in legalism is just as bad as being caught up in the addiction itself. God doesn't love addicted people any less than He loves you. He came to set the captives free.

To the OP: If you are convicted about smoking, talk to God about it. Give it to Him and allow Him to help you. Don't get caught up into feeling guilty or sub standard because you smoke. God loves you just the way you are!

 

[seashale76]

I do. Secretly. Why is it we have to hide this from other Christians? Is it a sin?

It depends. Smoking often quickly becomes an addiction- which is not being moderate- which controls your life- and thus becomes a sin. It is quite unhealthy for you (understatement)- and dangerous to those inhaling the second hand smoke.

That said- so long as smokers keep their second hand smoke away from me and others (especially kids), hopefully taking it outside and not in the home or restaurants where nicotine tar and smoke can, will, and does get all over everything, causing fire hazards and whatnot- then it is your business and I won't condemn you for it.

I've smoked a hooka myself once- and I still don't feel guilty about it.

 

[sunshine456]

One would think it is due to...........

Body is the temple of the holy spirit. That would define it as precious and vital aspect of life. Being the holder of a life giving gift. So I think it would be proper to consider the body with absolute respect; therefore maintain healthy levels of continued productive actions with it. Not corrupting, corroding or carelessly ignoring it's importance.

Smoking causes cancer...this is deadly; which means NO you should refrain from it at all cost. Along with other substances that cause the body harm. Instead cherish it as a precious gift that requires healthy portions of necessary nutrients and exercise.

Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Maka]

I don't smoke, I never have and I never will. I wouldn't date anyone who smoked either because I'm allergic to it.

 

[Laureate]

The hype and corruption behind the tobacco industry is almost as scandalous as those who believe their garbage.

For starters, 'Nicotine' is a Necessary Nutrient, they put it in every grain product on the market as a fortifier, where they call it 'Niacin'.

Yet it and the other (usual) 8 or 9 essential vitamins, and minerals added to all cereals and grains, was not added to fortify anything but a defence against 'Pellagra' a disease (endemic in Europe) believed to be caused by contaminated grain products, the symptoms appear to be identical to Mad Cow disease.

Placebos are substances taken on Faith that they will produce a desired result, while the substance in itself, is not known to produce, or promote any such result; yet in a triple blind study, placebos were 53% more effective than over the counter prescriptions.

Therefore, the surgeon general warning should be illegal, because it is promoting an effective faith that promotes, and contributes harm to the user.

They put all the dangerous chemicals in the tobacco products, then say, stay away from the Medicine bag of the Native American, why? Is someone out to harm us? Yet they feign genuine concern for our health!

Today's practicing physicians, are just that, 'practicing' they are not doctors or they would heal someone; When, and what was the last cure of our scientists discovered, (and made available to the public) Polio?

Do you know how long ago that was? Today we have greater technology, much much more money invested, and yet instead of a cure, we get all kinds of new diseases which never existed before, wake up!

Did you know it is illegal to say, you have a cure for something, (even when it is truly a cure)?

"It is not what goes into your mouth that defiles the temple of Ruach H'Kodesh, but what proceeds from one's mouth"

And what is it that proceeds from our mouth?

"From the abundance of the heart comes words to the mouth"

Thus it is what we believe in our heart that (potentially) defiles the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit;

Thus the scientists say, if you believe M&M's candy will give you cancer, there is a 53% chance that you will get cancer when you eat M&M's, only because you believe.

Elohym has said, He will hand anyone who does not have a love for truth over to a delusion, and cause them to believe in a lie; furthermore, He is subject to hand us over to our fears, imaginations, and judgements, therefore be careful as to what you believe, and by all means keep fresh your love for truth.

 

[forGod1]

christian smoker is an oxymoron.. and it makes me feel like a moron

 

[Peripatetic]

In the evenings with a cup of coffee and a cigar I would look to the skies as my prayer time. I knew God would rather I didn't, I did feel bad about it, but couldn't break the addiction.

I just found this thread for the first time. I didn't read most if it, but caught this post from page 1 touched me because so many people here on CF suffer with this issue with various habits, some of which may not even be harmful or sinful. For example, I've seen people struggling with cold-turkey quitting of secular music. Fighting a losing battle with habits can turn to despair, distance from God, or thoughts of giving up on Christianity.

iambren - I'm glad you were eventually able to overcome the addiction, but I'm sure that God treasured those intimate moments of prayer, even though smoking was present. God wants our heart. Addictions can be harmful, but losing our connection with God is even worse. My mother still smokes, but I am quite sure that God loves her and vice versa.

I am not a smoker. I've never even tried it, and am predisposed to disliking it because I grew up with smoking parents and grandparents and hated the second hand smoke. It would be easy for me to say it's sinful, just quit. But addictions don't work like that. Spiritual growth can still happen during periods of struggle. In fact, addicts sometimes understand our reliance on God sooner than the apparently righteous without vice.

 

[REPHAIAHPEDAHEL]

I do not smoke but i am not perfect and neither is anyone else.

 

[dogs4thewin]

Smoking is a sin, but that does not mean that I have a problem with people who smoke as people. I will encourage them to quit more for the health benefits than anything, but as long as someone respects my request to not smoke around me ( for my own health not as a way of judging them) I have no problem with smokers just by the fact that they smoke. I WOULD encourage you ( or anyone to quit, however.)