Christians should not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products unless it is for medical purposes such as putting a tobacco leaf on an open wound to heal. Calming one’s nerves with a cigarette does not qualify. Many of us that are Christians have smoked before and quit when we understood it is biblically wrong. It was not easy to stop as it was not easy to start. Nevertheless, it is a Christian’s responsibility to stop any practice that is contrary to God’s will. Consequently, that should be all the motivation needed for a God-fearing person. With God’s help and the right intent, cigarette smoking can be a thing of the past. Here is motivation to quit:
ADDICTIVE. Cigarettes are addictive and hard to stop. Yet, the only things we should be addicted to is Christ and the gospel (Job 23:12; 1 Cor.16:15). “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 Cor.6:12).
UNWHOLESOME. Cigarette smoking is a smelly habit that is not allowed in honorable places such as courtrooms, churches, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and most restaurants except in separate well-ventilated areas. But you can smoke in pool halls, clubs, and casinos. “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess.5:22). “…Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Rom.12:9).
HARMFUL. Cigarette packages have warning labels because it is not a matter if they will harm you but warning you that they will. Even secondhand smoke harms pregnant women, children, and adults. Christians will not purposely harm themselves and others. Christians should be “…harmless as doves” (Mt.10:16) towards others, while nourishing and cherishing their own flesh (Eph.5:29).
BAD STEWARDSHIP. Cigarettes cost a lot, around $7 a pack in Dallas. Many smoke a couple of packs a day or more. Two packs add up to $100 a week. This waste of money could be used for gas, food, clothes, medicine, and even wholesome family outings. We are all stewards of God’s blessings (Mt.25:14-29). “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor.4:2).
