In today's post we will be going over the topic of whether a Christian should eat sweets or smoke cigarettes. While I don't smoke, I do however have a bit of a sweet tooth so this post is as much for the reader as it is for myself. This post is pretty much made to show why Christians shouldn't smoke or eat candy regularly if you have bible verses that you think justifies this behavior go ahead and put them in the comments below, I'm not sure if there are any.
While smoking cigarettes and eating candy bars aren't specifically mentioned by name in the bible, there are still scriptures we can look at to see if they apply to them. In the Old Testament we learn that we shouldn't allow sin or iniquity to rule over us (Gen 4:7, Psa 119:133). This is also reiterated in the New Testament as well (Rom 6:11 -14).
While not always the case smoking cigarettes and eating sugary snacks can become very addicting to the point that one feels like they have to have it or they become very irritable. Isn't this being controlled by our flesh? The bible teaches that those that are in Christ walk after the Spirit and not the flesh, they have crucified the flesh with the affections and lust. (Rom 8:1, Gal 5:24).
Furthermore we see all the time the effects that smoking and eating junk food has on our bodies. There's lung cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, and so many other health risk involved. This is just further proof of the bible, when it tells us the horrible consequences of being carnally minded, living after or sowing to our flesh (Rom 8:6, Rom 8:13, Gal 6:7 -8). This might be referring to spiritual death and not just physical death. Another thing to take into consideration is that the bible tells us that God gives us good things to eat (Psa 103:5), to eat what is good (Isa 55:2), and that the land is blessed when the princes eat for strength and not for drunkenness (Ecc 10:17) think about diabetes and blood sugar for relevance about the last verse.
If we know that smoking and eating junk food makes us sick and that not smoking and eating well would make us healthy, wouldn't it be considered a sin if we did it anyway? Since if you know to do good and don't do it it is sin (Jam 4:17).
If we know that smoking and eating junk food makes us sick and that not smoking and eating well would make us healthy, wouldn't it be considered a sin if we did it anyway? Since if you know to do good and don't do it it is sin (Jam 4:17).
As Christians we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice; meaning we should seek to please others for their good instead of ourselves (Rom 12:1 -2, Rom 15:1 -2). We need to remember that those that seek to save their life shall lose it (Luke 17:33, Joh 12:25). The bible teaches us not to covet and to be content with food and raiment, candy nor cigarettes can be classified as food which is a substance that nourishes the body (Heb 13:5, Col 3:5, 1 Ti 6:8).
Smoking and Eating Candy might not be directly called a sin in scripture, however we are not to be brought under their control; instead we are to glorify God with our bodies (1 Co 6:12, 1 Cor 6:20, 1 Cor 10:31). If you are struggling with candy or cigarette addiction there is hope, God will not suffer you to be tempted above what you can handle; he always makes a way of escape so that we can bear those temptations (1 Cor 10:13).
Another thing to consider is that whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). If your conscience tells you that it's wrong you should listen to it. Also if you live with someone who thinks it's a sin to smoke or eat junk then you should take Paul's example and not offend them with your junk food or cigarettes (1Cor 8:13). Also consider that Moses would rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb 11:25).
Another thing to consider is that whatsoever is not of faith is sin (Rom 14:23). If your conscience tells you that it's wrong you should listen to it. Also if you live with someone who thinks it's a sin to smoke or eat junk then you should take Paul's example and not offend them with your junk food or cigarettes (1Cor 8:13). Also consider that Moses would rather suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb 11:25).
* Here are a few statistics to show that smoking is hazardous to ones health and therefore a sin
Smoking kills around half of it's users (Smoking kills approx. 8 million people per year).
It causes 1/5 of the deaths in the U.S. (that's more that HIV, drugs, Alcohol, motor vehicles, firearms put together).
10x more Americans have died through smoking than all their wars put together.
It causes 90% of lung cancer deaths, and increases chance of getting it by 25x.
Causes 80% of COPD deaths and increased chance of getting it by 4x.
Increased chance of stroke 4x.
Smoking is also very expensive, there are way more wiser things that you could do with your money.
Smoking kills around half of it's users (Smoking kills approx. 8 million people per year).
It causes 1/5 of the deaths in the U.S. (that's more that HIV, drugs, Alcohol, motor vehicles, firearms put together).
10x more Americans have died through smoking than all their wars put together.
It causes 90% of lung cancer deaths, and increases chance of getting it by 25x.
Causes 80% of COPD deaths and increased chance of getting it by 4x.
Increased chance of stroke 4x.
Smoking is also very expensive, there are way more wiser things that you could do with your money.
In Conclusion, concerning sweets I'm not saying that you have to give up sweets entirely as that would be quite hypocritical of me (Mat 7:1-5, Rom 2:1). Rather I think they should be enjoyed on a rare occasion, or rather in moderation. Consider the bible verses on honey as an example (Num 14:8, Pro 24:13, Pro 25:16 Pro 25:27), saving that honey actually is good 4 you in small doses unlike candy. I recommend sugar free sweets or fruit to satisfy those cravings. Concerning smokers, it is my prayer that if they haven't done so already I hope they pray-fully consider giving up smoking. As it is written "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Php 2:12).
*Reference: YouTube Channel: the Fuel Project. Answers | Episode 20 - Are Christians Allowed To Smoke?
Bonus Verses:
Mat 7:21, 1Cor 15:31, Php 2:13, 1Th 4:5, 1Tim 5:6, Heb 12:1, 1 Jn 2:16
Verses as Related to Smoke
Pro 10:26, Isa 65:5, Rev 14:11, Rev 15:8
Comparing smoking, which almost always is harmful, to candy/sweets/junk food which is only harmful if over-imbibed, is illogical. They are not in the same category.
ReplyDeleteThe vice of smoking has always been irrational to me--Why would somebody in a rightful state of mind want to do something that poisons their bodies?
ReplyDeleteI still say comparing the deadly habit of smoking to the non-hurtful eating of sweets (unless over-indulged) is illogical.
ReplyDelete