So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, [thus] purifying all foods? And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness." -Mark 7:18-22
Take note dear fellow-seekers of the truth that the above passage cites "thefts", as one of the things which come from within and defile us.
And consider, that Jesus said these "thefts", "come out of a man", or in other words do manifest through acts or gestures.
Okay then, it has been proven beyond any doubt that cigarette smoking pollutes our God given air in such a way as to contaminate it, "stealing away" the goodness God gave it and us...and such an act is a "theft", and is therefore defiling.
Moreover, with the common knowledge we possess, continuing on in this practice, (especially while trying to defend it with Scripture even), is indicative of careless indifference towards the health of one's own body (God's temple), and the health of the bodies of others (His temple as well).
And this I say, not to condemn, but to admonish and reprove...and before any start citing other sins as being just as bad or worse...let it be known that sins don't justify sin...that is to say two wrongs don't make a right.
And the first step of confessing the truth unto being cleansed by The Lord is admitting the error of our ways...for as long as one can continue to justify (in their own mind), what is clearly not godly, not good, they will remain unempowered to quit.
And since this is the "Advice Forum", my advice is quit trying to justify a gesture of theft from the careless indifference of the heart, and quit the indifference and the thievery in stead.
Without malice or malicious forethought these things are written seeking our corporate good.
If any need help in quitting, there is help to be found, for those who seek it.
I pray all our good requests are swiftly answered by God, Who Alone has the Power to save us through Christ. Amen.
wm