What does the Bible say about the unhealthy habit of smoking? Is smoking cigarettes and tobacco a sin?
Some people try to justify their smoking habit by pointing fingers at Christians who are committing the sin of gluttony. Others are able to continue smoking tobacco because the Bible doesn’t specifically say “Thou shalt not smoke a cigarette.” Let’s take a closer look at these excuses.
Gluttony and Smoking
It isn’t unusual to hear an addicted smoker that comes to church say, “If these overweight Christians can commit the sin of gluttony, then I should be able to smoke. However, the logic behind trying to justify smoking because some people are gluttons is a faulty one.
True, some Christians tend to want to overlook gluttony while at the same time pointing fingers at smokers, and they are wrong in doing so. Overeating on a regular basis is a sin, and so is smoking. Pointing fingers back at gluttons in no way makes an unhealthy and addictive habit such as smoking right and pleasing to God. For those wanting to sincerely try and please God, they know it doesn’t. For some others, there will always be excuses.
Thou Shalt Not Smoke
While the Bible does not contain the exact words “Thou Shalt Not Smoke”, it does say, “I must not become a slave to, be mastered, or dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12). There are millions of people addicted to nicotine that will tell you, “I can’t quit smoking.” They are simply controlled by their addiction to a small object that can be held between their fingers.
Smoking For The Glory Of God?
There aren’t many people left, smokers included, who will deny they are knowingly harming their bodies by smoking. The Bible says to honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:20). It also says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Anyone wanting to be honest with themselves and God knows purposely harming yourself isn’t honoring God with your body. Neither is it possible to smoke for the glory of God.
God Will Show You A Way Out
There is no denying smoking is a tough addiction for some to overcome. The worlds answer has been to try everything from nicotine patches to hypnosis. A Christian’s answer for deliverance will always be God. Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). All things may mean smoking for some. For others it will be some other battle against the flesh. Whatever it may be, you are not alone. God will show you a way out!
(1 Corinthians 10:13) The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
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