Should Christians smoke?

[susiejw]

My friend smokes heavily and says its okay

He smells of smoke in front of my children

But surely this is damaging to the body and not good to do

Any thoughts?

 

[TaylorDonBarret]

It is a sin, in my opinion.

 

[Michele]

Obesity is gluttony an gluttony is a sin....let your yes be yes and your no...no all else comes from Satan.

 

[rag4aCrown]

If your own heart convicts you of wrong doing (sin)... may want to put self in check and repent.
Those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth... with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy BODY, with all thy strength.

Now, with that being said; who is doing it?
We are all hypocrites to some point; with ALL thy heart, mind, body and strength. ALL, very powerful, little bitty, word...ALL.
How many times a day are we double minded? in what we do, how we think, speak, act???

 

[rag4aCrown]

Someone said "obesity is gluttony and gluttony is a sin".
Isn't everything that is done in excess a gluttony? more money, more stuff, more wine, more shopping more, more, more....

My point is... I know people who are now obese because their diabetes, yet they eat very little and very particular.
Oh yeah, lets get back to the beginning of sin;
Sin is because they have not believed on the only begotten Son of God.
Some say they believe, then run to this world's doctors for their healing band aid, instead of going to the Physician for healing.

 

[Christ4Ever]

My friend smokes heavily and says its okay

He smells of smoke in front of my children

But surely this is damaging to the body and not good to do

Any thoughts?

Here's a link to a Cancer Center and a reliable clinic that each have articles on what is called "Third Hand Smoke" which is what you're talking about with your friend. I hope this helps a little in answering your questions.

On how to address it with your friend if you come to the decision that it's not good for you or your children, is really up to you, but the health of everyone concerned is the most important decision you must make especially for your children. Hopefully, your friend will understand that it's not only for their own health but for your children as well. I pray this helps a little.

Protect Children from Third Hand Smoke Exposure | About Us | Norris Cotton Cancer Center

Thirdhand smoke: What are the dangers to nonsmokers? - Mayo Clinic

C4E
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[Waggles]

My friend smokes heavily and says its okay

NO it is wrong for a Christian to smoke. There is no testimony whatsoever to being set free by Jesus or the truth of the gospel in continuing to smoke cigarettes (or marijuana).
The whole point of being born again is that the truth shall set you free... therefore if you continues with smoking or drinking alcohol or other vices you are not free but
in bondage to your weaknesses of the flesh. Again no testimony.
Nor can you preach about healings and miracles if one is unable to demonstrate this in one's own life and faith.
We are called to live a new life that is free from our previous sins and vices due to our natural selves and the power of sin.
To be born again by water and the Holy Spirit is so that we can become ambassadors unto Christ Jesus and the gospel. New people. New lives. New purpose in living.
Smoking whatever and drinking alcohol undermines all of this.

 

[Michele]

My comment on gluttony was in response to whether smoking was a sin. In pointing at someone else's sin we must deal with our own and you're right gluttony is common and varied in origin that is why I used it as an example. It should though hopefully encourage self reflection as we are all guilty. Hence let yes be yes and no no. There was a Pastor I knew who wouldn't baptism a person if they smoked or drank etc. he had his reasons but I couldn't help but feel that he was filtering those who were being called on his terms.

 

[rag4aCrown]

Going to this world's doctors and taking their drugs for your ailments also undermines Father God the Creator of all things. Wouldn't you say?
How "new life" is the majority of peoples lives that say "Lord, Lord"?
People are so quick to point the finger at another and yet do the same thing. Though one may not smoke, I am quite sure there is demons in everyone of our closets. Until we have forsaken ALL and followed Him, we are in bondage to this world in some way; rather it be a job for money, your home, your kids, your worldly conversations... Philippians 1:27 Before we are so quick to judge, make righteous judgments, and think about the last conversation you had. Did it exalt God?
As for the Pastor, shame on him! I do not have to meet certain religious guidelines to be baptized. HE has a baptism to be baptized with; it is a supernatural, spiritual baptism, that man is not involved and most will not even receive this testimony. I praise God that HE is the I AM; I praise God that I entered in through Him, not man, or I would still be waiting; trying to "appear" clean enough that man would do it. I praise God that HE takes us as we are and goes to work on us. HE is the Potter, we are the clay. I praise God that HE is the only one who is able to wash us and make us as clean as fresh fallen snow. I praise God for my Jesus, who is the only one worthy, the only one righteous, and the only ONE that I willingly, humbly bow myself too.
His ways is not our ways. Praise you Lord. For not throwing me away because I was dirty and needed cleaned up, but keeping me and showing me myself and allowing me to willingly and humbly submit myself to be cleaned up. Thank you Lord, that You are above all things and all things are below You. I am quite certain the Apostle Paul knows of what I speak (Acts 7-8). Paul not only persecuted and killed anyone who spoke HIS name, but stood by consenting to Stephens death and guarding the clothes of those stoning him to death. (yes, they would undress, because the deaths were very bloody.
@Waggles I encourage you to read about Lot vexed with filthy conversation; hence, God used him. He delivered to a people what was going to happen and they believed not. I have heard the Lord speak to me through people that have no clue about God or what His Word says. God can use anything and anybody. I encourage you to reconsider some of your statements. Until one has forsaken ALL this world and ALL that is in it, we are in bondage to it; whether it be paying taxes, car payments or water and electric bills, (how about your internet bill?), go to your job and be under the bondage of not only that company but the unrighteous judge you answer to and take your daily duty orders from.
The Truth shall "make" you free. But we have to do something, we have to make sacrifices, be willing to suffer, be persecuted, falsely accused... for His name sake.
Only because Jesus gave Himself in the place of my sin, am I the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Amen
All praise, glory and honor be unto God.
Do you know HIM?
Do you know the Way, the Truth and the Life?
Is HE alive in your heart?
Has your conversation become as the gospel of Christ?
If I leave this world today, would God be pleased with the impact I have made upon this world?
Have I forsaken (anything) ALL, and picked up MY CROSS and followed HIM?

 

[Thiscrosshurts]

Matthew 15:11 What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."
Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
Luke 11:41 But now as for what is inside you--be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
Romans 14:14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
1 John 3:21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

 

[Ophel]

Beautiful, healthy, pink, functioning lungs are a tribute to God's glorious creation. Tarring them up with sticky residue from smoking, and putting them at risk for deadly disease is a slap in His face. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Just think for a minute: if the Queen of England were to come for a visit, would you not clean up your house to receive her? Why do some people think that God is comfortable dwelling in a smokestack, and worse---defend the practice?

 

[Chad]

Good question. Let's discuss this from a few angles.

I do believe smoking cigarettes is a sin. It damages the lungs and causes cancer and other diseases. It is also habit forming and therefore you're under the control of this object. Now, I confess I enjoy fine quality cigars moderately. The difference is you do not inhale cigars and they do not contain the disgusting poisonous chemicals that cigarettes do. They are also not habit-forming either. I myself still cannot stand the smell of cigarettes, completely intolerable to the odor.

Let's consider the other angles and areas of health. What food do you eat and are you overweight? Obesity is also sinful, aka gluttony. Do you buy non-organic food because it's cheaper but spend your money on other things less important than your health? Do you exercise daily?

What about where you live such as a big city with polluted air? You breathe that in and out all day long. Is it not possible that God would enable you to relocate to another area with clean air that's healthier for you? Do you drive an automobile? You're giving off pollution and hurting the air and therefore the air we breathe.

 

[Ophel]

Smoking a cigarette is a deliberate act of the will that has severe consequences to lie and health, and to those around you. Yes, there are other behaviours of people such as overeating and drinking that fall into the same category, and I often see how smokers will try to divert the subject to these areas to somehow avoid the subject. These deserve some discussion, perhaps in a thread devoted to them. As to environment, many of us are unable to escape it.

What we can do to prevent ourselves from being polluted bodily, and to honour God with our lives is important.

 

[Waggles]

I encourage you to reconsider some of your statements. Until one has forsaken ALL this world and ALL that is in it, we are in bondage to it; whether it be paying taxes, car payments or water and electric bills, (how about your internet bill?), go to your job and be under the bondage of not only that company but the unrighteous judge you answer to and take your daily duty orders from.

Sister, let us stick to the subject of a Christian continuing to smoke cigarettes. An act of choice. A matter of personal testimony as to one's faith and the healing power of Jesus.
Having a job and being of the world in other practical necessities (like paying rent) does not disqualify my testimony to being born again, and serving the Lord.

1Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
1Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Smoking cigarettes or cigars or drinking alcohol does not separate the true believer away from
worldly lifestyle choices arising from indulging fleshly habits.
We are called to be separate; to be different; a holy people; indeed a peculiar people.
If I drink, smoke, gamble, shack up with a lady or whatever else the world of unbelievers finds acceptable - how can I be an ambassador to Christ Jesus and the gospel???

 

[Fragrant Grace]

My friend smokes heavily and says its okay
He smells of smoke in front of my children
But surely this is damaging to the body and not good to do

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9

Part of the question being asked is about 'smelling of smoke in front of your children' @susiejw

This would indicate your friend has smoked 'recently' at times when he sees your children
Passive smoking goes beyond smoking in the same room as others
Smoke and its dangerous chemicals linger in exhaled breath for a long time
The bi-products also stick to a smokers clothing

I could post links but you can google this and find out for yourself

This is all very dangerous to children and this person is not being fair or behaving respectfully as a Christian should

Smoking is an addiction
An addiction to dangerous chemicals
Why would the Lord want anyone to inhale toxic addictive carcinogenic chemicals?
Why would the Lord want anyone to damage the wonderful bodies He has made us

Finally ask yourself the question

Do you ever hear of Christians being delivered from the habit of smoking......YES (I certainly know of people)
Do you ever hear of Christians being called to smoke or being delivered from non smoking............No (Ive never heard of that)

Your friend has a habit , an idol.
It wont loose him his salvation, but it is taking up part of the Lord's throne in his life
Pray for him sister and tell the Lord your struggles....He is able to intervene

As a mum I would tell him not to go near your children if he has been smoking that day
I know how hard that can be as I have people close to me who smoke who don't seem to really care about the consequences on their life or the lives of others

 

[Chad]

Smoking cigarettes or cigars or drinking alcohol does not separate the true believer away from
worldly lifestyle choices arising from indulging fleshly habits.
We are called to be separate; to be different; a holy people; indeed a peculiar people.
If I drink, smoke, gamble, shack up with a lady or whatever else the world of unbelievers finds acceptable - how can I be an ambassador to Christ Jesus and the gospel???

Sorry but you're off. Jesus' first miracle was turning water to wine. Yes, alcoholic wine not "grapejuice" like some think. Alcoholic beverages themselves are not sinful at all, drunkenness is.

 

[Wired 4 Fishen]

Smoking will not send a person to hell but it might get them home with Jesus sooner then planned.
Should we condemn some one for smoking? Not a chance - should we talk with them and pray for them lifting them up every chance we get? You bet ya.

I was a prophesional junkie if you will. Nothing any one said or did would make one bit a differance in this. NOW God set me free and delivered me right then and there. It was simple and easy. Cigarettes ? Let me tell you that was harder then the drugs and took way too many years.

God Bless
jim

 

[rag4aCrown]

Sister, let us stick to the subject of a Christian continuing to smoke cigarettes. An act of choice. A matter of personal testimony as to one's faith and the healing power of Jesus.
Having a job and being of the world in other practical necessities (like paying rent) does not disqualify my testimony to being born again, and serving the Lord.

1Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
1Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Smoking cigarettes or cigars or drinking alcohol does not separate the true believer away from
worldly lifestyle choices arising from indulging fleshly habits.
We are called to be separate; to be different; a holy people; indeed a peculiar people.
If I drink, smoke, gamble, shack up with a lady or whatever else the world of unbelievers finds acceptable - how can I be an ambassador to Christ Jesus and the gospel???

Yes, be separate from this world; be not converted to this world. How are you being separate from this world when you continue to do ALL the same things this world does?going to a job for worldly money (when Jesus needed money God provided it)
going to this world's doctors for your bandaid fix and daily drugs (God is the Physician)
going to the grocery store for food (yet, God feeds the birds, and you are of more worth then a bird... but depend on you to feed you.)
Jesus turned water to wine; drink a little wine for thy bellies sake; NOT DRUNKENESS, be ye sober minded.
Smoking??? There are demons in everyone's closet. But for one to pick on certain people and not take there own short comings into consideration is absurd. Maybe you don't smoke, but there is plenty you do and justify self for doing it.
Forsaking ALL...................... Who is doing it? NOT ONE
Anyone having set his hand to a plow, and looking back, is not fit to be my disciple (Jesus said).
What part of not looking back, (or going back to) have you forsaken?
Did your life change? What you use to do... you do no more? not only smoking, but working for worldly money to pay the rent (bondage of this world); Jesus lived in the woods, among the trees and cliffs. How about using this world's doctors and legal drugs? kind of kicks God in the teeth doesn't it? I mean, we BELIEVE, but I have to let the world do this for me Lord, because even though you created me out of the dirt of the earth, I don't believe you can keep my body in check... well, that is what we are basically saying if we use this world's ways.
God bless us ALL and Lord have mercy on us ALL.

 

[rag4aCrown]

To be so bold as to say God will never use someone who smokes is ............................
When we judge people according to mere physical appearance, we just may miss a very important message God has given them just for us. What is in your heart? Can we know another's heart by appearance? or what proceeds out of the mouth?
A group of people drinking a beer offers one to me; I take the beer and use the opportunity (to become as they are, as Paul says) and tell them about my Jesus. Do I stay with them and get drunk? NO!!! I appreciate the blessing of a beer and bless them, tell them about my Jesus and get away from them; MOVE ON.
Unless we have forsaken ALL..... we all have bondages to this world, in one way or another.

As @Thiscrosshurts stated What goes in the mouth is not what defies the body, but what comes out the mouth, this is what defiles the body.
One mouth can defile the whole body; whether it be one mouth and one body, or it be one mouth and one Body

 

[susiejw]

You make no sense to me rag4acrown and thiscrosshurts you want to blend with the world that's surely not right

my thought is is that its wrong because its harmful

thanks everyone for your help