Smoking cigarettes

[Christi]

Okay, this may have already been asked before, but I wasn't around then. I know it is unhealthy and socially unacceptable, but is smoking a sin?

[Fessie]

I'm not sure what to tell ya other than the fact that the Bible tells us our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and not to damage them and if smoking isn't damaging to our Holy temples, I'm not sure what is?!

[WWJD777]

Smoking damages the temple and injurys the surounding friend. It isn't liked in the Bible that is for sure.

[Mandy]

Then what about the over eater? many PASTORS are over weight!

how about working yourself to hard and damaging yourself? Many of us do!

Got caffine?

The list could go on & on.

I think things that alter the mind, like booze, are what damage the temple.

smoking is not a sin, do I encourage it? no

[Christi]

My problem with the "temple" verse that everyone quotes is that the passage is dealing with sexual immorality. And what about all the people who smoked for decades before it was discovered that smoking was unhealthy? I have decided to quit smoking soon for the health reasons alone, but I just have a problem with it being a sin.

[Metalhead777]

I read somewhere that it is a sin to use thing to destroy your body..

[Christi]

Okay, everyone. I am quitting Wed. anyway. Pray for me please. Sin or not, it is gross, unhealthy, stinky, an addiction, and a stumbling block for others. I think I was just trying to justify it A LITTLE. Which should tell me right there that it is a problem. You don't have to justify good things to yourself, right? I can use all the prayer I can get!!!! The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. In my case, really weak. I don't know how God tolerates me at all. I would smite me if I was him, whatever that is, I know I deserve it! Lol! Anyway, remember me Wed. I will probably be on here begging and whining!!!! Thanks!

[LouisBooth]

Yup, it is a sin, but it seems that it is far easier to show that it hurts the body. Like Paul says, everything is permitable, but not everything is beneficial. I wouldn't say it is sin one way or another..maybe its a gray area...ya think?

[Metalhead777]

maybe.. ill do my homework and post back on here.. :scratch:

[Christopher]

Dear Christi,

You will be in my pryaers. having briefly read over the comments, consider this, in light of your new awarness to this area as pleasing or not to God, to be a matter of perfectring holiness. Yes, in it's simplest truth smoking is sinful... however, many today do not have that knowledge availble to them for one reason or another, therefore, under grace, as you walk in the light to the best of your knowledge such things are not accounted to you as sin, or committed... but if you know to do good, and do it not, then to you it is sin ( you are responsible before God for it, and must repent and be reconciled). SO commit it to God's trust, perfect holiness, rest in grace. Acknowledge your condition pro and con o God, and then trust him as with all other sin, and turn from it. Grtow in grace, perfect holiness, and grow in the knowledge of our lord. If you'll do that... He has promised to help you, and his grace is sufficient for evry need.

yours in Christ
Christopher

[OntheRock]

Here's 3 things to consider.

1. Does it damage your body? I think for some it does and for others it does not.

2 Are you in bondage to it? In other words are you addicted and can't stop even if you wanted to.

3. Are you a stumbling block to others? Are you keeping others from quitting because they see you smoking?

It took me years to quit. I'll pray for you.

[allieisme]

Originally posted by Mandy
Then what about the over eater? many PASTORS are over weight!

how about working yourself to hard and damaging yourself? Many of us do!

Got caffine?

The list could go on & on.

I think things that alter the mind, like booze, are what damage the temple.

smoking is not a sin, do I encourage it? no


I HAVE TO AGREE WITH MANDY ON THIS ONE! :)

[Dave Ulchers]

Originally posted by Christi
I can use all the prayer I can get!!!! The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. In my case, really weak. I don't know how God tolerates me at all. I would smite me if I was him, whatever that is, I know I deserve it! Lol! Anyway, remember me Wed. I will probably be on here begging and whining!!!! Thanks!

Christi, whenever you feel yourself needing a cigarette, just take a deep breathe and ask yourself whether God is good enough to give you the grace to overcome this temptation. You are in my prayers!

[futuresoldier]

Smoking not only impairs your ability to do God's will (just as Satan wants), it makes it harder for those around you to do God's will by damaging their health- the thought of passive smoking has me almost crying right now. Don't be a tool of Satan by causing others to smoke when they don't want to- plus, they won't be getting it through a filter like you will.

Government rich-guys are more concerned with recieving taxes than the health of their citizens, evidently.

[Christi]

Thank you all so much. Tomorrow is the day. I can't quit, but "Christ in me" can. Your support and prayers have overwhelmed me.
And....OnTheRock.....1.yes 2.yes and 3.yes. :(

[Athlon4all]

Christi, I'll be praying for ya too. My parents are trying to quit right now and I can tell it's hard!!! You'll be in my prayers

[LouisBooth]

I for one, want to encourage you if you have made the descion to quit. I'll be praying for ya. As for the debate...breathing the air or thinking is harmful to your body..ie..EVEYRTHING is harmful to your body. Its the degree that is important.

[Judy B.]

Christi,I will pray that you will claim God's promises in the times of temptation to light up again: That you can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens you!!That includes kicking the habit! :)

[Christi]

I've gone all day without a cigarette. Everytime I have a really bad craving, I close my eyes, take a deep breath and visualize the spike being hammered into Jesus'wrists. Makes my dumb little craving seem pretty minor. I just don't think I can keep telling people how Jesus changes lives, when I won't give him room to change this for me. I don't know that I feel it is a sin.....but I have been addicted to it to the point that it is "putting another god before Him". So for me, it is a sin. Please pray, I will stay out of His way here and let Him do this. Thanks!