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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
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https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
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How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
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https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
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I quit smoking!
- Thread starter farouk
- Start date
Mike
Member
This is a wonderful thing you did, farouk. I don't want to downplay what you were given the strength to do, but I've just wondered about the admonishment of smoking in your signature. I've never smoked, so I can't say first hand, but it has got to be a very difficult thing to kick for a lot of people.
I'm not comparing you with this person, so don't get me wrong. There was a woman I knew that had been somewhat over-weight. She was never morbidly obese since I knew her, but let's say she wasn't "in shape". Well, something snapped in her, and she found the resolve to really tone up. She changed her diet and lived in the gym. That's great. What wasn't so great was that she then began pointing the finger at all the people she knew that she felt needed to lose a few pounds. She chastised them for eating processed food and not getting off the couch, like she had been doing not too long before. She could have used her personal struggle to relate to people and help them, but she came off as a "look at me - you need to be like me" kind of person. She turned a lot of people off.
Or there's myself who was "radically saved" and came to the Lord in a startling way. I was made right and didn't know how to use my new faith. I went on a tear, telling friends that they ought to change their ways! Look at me! I don't do what I did, and you shouldn't either!! Both
and 
at the same time.
What you're doing isn't nearly as bad as what I did or the woman I know, but I would take care not to condemn smoking when you know first hand how difficult it can be to quit. I agree, it is the healthy thing to do. But maybe you could say something like "Do you want to quit smoking? Let me tell you how I overcame the addiction of cigarettes." Just something to think about...
Seriously. It IS wonderful what you personally were given the strength to do. Praise God!
I'm not comparing you with this person, so don't get me wrong. There was a woman I knew that had been somewhat over-weight. She was never morbidly obese since I knew her, but let's say she wasn't "in shape". Well, something snapped in her, and she found the resolve to really tone up. She changed her diet and lived in the gym. That's great. What wasn't so great was that she then began pointing the finger at all the people she knew that she felt needed to lose a few pounds. She chastised them for eating processed food and not getting off the couch, like she had been doing not too long before. She could have used her personal struggle to relate to people and help them, but she came off as a "look at me - you need to be like me" kind of person. She turned a lot of people off.
Or there's myself who was "radically saved" and came to the Lord in a startling way. I was made right and didn't know how to use my new faith. I went on a tear, telling friends that they ought to change their ways! Look at me! I don't do what I did, and you shouldn't either!! Both
and at the same time.What you're doing isn't nearly as bad as what I did or the woman I know, but I would take care not to condemn smoking when you know first hand how difficult it can be to quit. I agree, it is the healthy thing to do. But maybe you could say something like "Do you want to quit smoking? Let me tell you how I overcame the addiction of cigarettes." Just something to think about...
Seriously. It IS wonderful what you personally were given the strength to do. Praise God!
farouk
Member
This is a wonderful thing you did, farouk. I don't want to downplay what you were given the strength to do, but I've just wondered about the admonishment of smoking in your signature. I've never smoked, so I can't say first hand, but it has got to be a very difficult thing to kick for a lot of people.
I'm not comparing you with this person, so don't get me wrong. There was a woman I knew that had been somewhat over-weight. She was never morbidly obese since I knew her, but let's say she wasn't "in shape". Well, something snapped in her, and she found the resolve to really tone up. She changed her diet and lived in the gym. That's great. What wasn't so great was that she then began pointing the finger at all the people she knew that she felt needed to lose a few pounds. She chastised them for eating processed food and not getting off the couch, like she had been doing not too long before. She could have used her personal struggle to relate to people and help them, but she came off as a "look at me - you need to be like me" kind of person. She turned a lot of people off.
Or there's myself who was "radically saved" and came to the Lord in a startling way. I was made right and didn't know how to use my new faith. I went on a tear, telling friends that they ought to change their ways! Look at me! I don't do what I did, and you shouldn't either!! Both
What you're doing isn't nearly as bad as what I did or the woman I know, but I would take care not to condemn smoking when you know first hand how difficult it can be to quit. I agree, it is the healthy thing to do. But maybe you could say something like "Do you want to quit smoking? Let me tell you how I overcame the addiction of cigarettes." Just something to think about...
Seriously. It IS wonderful what you personally were given the strength to do. Praise God!
Mike:
Thanks, it was a while ago.
I recommend quitting, and I'm better off.
Re. your comment as to whether other ppl should be 'stigmatized' (not your term, but I think it's similar to what you meant): certainly not! if ppl want to smoke, go smoke
! (But it's better not to.)For example, I know that some ppl regard women smoking as maybe not quite 'ladylike'; I disagree. If a woman wants to smoke, then she ought to be able to do so with confidence. (There was even an incident at the beginning of the 20th century in NYC when the over-zealous police arrested a women for being seen smoking in the street!)
So it ought not to be a stigma, if the person is a responsible adult.
But I still recommend quitting!
Bob Carabbio
Member
So did I - twice
"Okay so a while back I quit smoking."
Congrats - a VERY wise move. My daughter currently goes through $55 in cigarettes every week, so even if it was GOOD for you, it would be economically unwise. If I smoked the three packs a day that I did back in the '50s/'60s, I'd be paying over $100 a week.
The FIRST time I quit - was the night I became a Christian in 1961. I woke up the next morning - "Delivered" from the three pack a day habit - no craving, no withdrawal - NOTHING - just like I'd never smoked.
BUT
About a month later, I accepted a cigar from a new father - and "lit up". And the next morning, I was totally hooked on cigarettes again - and burned three packs a day for then next 8 years. I'd SEEN the "Power of God", trampled on it, and just "thrown it away".
Even the doctor telling me 6 years later that there were pre- cancerous changes in my lungs only slowed me to two packs for a couple of weeks -
And then at an Assembly of God Couples camp in Waupaca, WI, I prayed for the power to stop - again. There were no "cigarette machines" in the Aog Camp - so I was OFF smokes for at least two days - and when I got home, I went to the FIRST Cigarette machine I could find, and got my first quarter in the slot (they were $55 cents then, as I recall).
And The Lord was there, and HE asked me if I REALLY wanted to throw it all away just like that? And I walked away - and bought life savers. I don't know how many times over the next few months I had that SAME meeting with HIM at cigarette machines - And there WAS NO "Deliverance" no "Easing of the pain, or craving - just "Cold turkey" all the way - and "smoking dreams" where I lit up and then woke up all convicted until I realized that it wasn't real - STILL get them now and again.
And then it got better, and I could think about something besides lighting up - I still like fruit flavored life savers, though.
That was 1969. I'm STILL an nicotine addict, and STILL hooked on Cigarettes - I just haven't smoked in 41 years ( I like second hand smoke though).
And MY will power didn't do it - COULDN'T do it. HE did it.
"Okay so a while back I quit smoking."
Congrats - a VERY wise move. My daughter currently goes through $55 in cigarettes every week, so even if it was GOOD for you, it would be economically unwise. If I smoked the three packs a day that I did back in the '50s/'60s, I'd be paying over $100 a week.
The FIRST time I quit - was the night I became a Christian in 1961. I woke up the next morning - "Delivered" from the three pack a day habit - no craving, no withdrawal - NOTHING - just like I'd never smoked.
BUT
About a month later, I accepted a cigar from a new father - and "lit up". And the next morning, I was totally hooked on cigarettes again - and burned three packs a day for then next 8 years. I'd SEEN the "Power of God", trampled on it, and just "thrown it away".
Even the doctor telling me 6 years later that there were pre- cancerous changes in my lungs only slowed me to two packs for a couple of weeks -
And then at an Assembly of God Couples camp in Waupaca, WI, I prayed for the power to stop - again. There were no "cigarette machines" in the Aog Camp - so I was OFF smokes for at least two days - and when I got home, I went to the FIRST Cigarette machine I could find, and got my first quarter in the slot (they were $55 cents then, as I recall).
And The Lord was there, and HE asked me if I REALLY wanted to throw it all away just like that? And I walked away - and bought life savers. I don't know how many times over the next few months I had that SAME meeting with HIM at cigarette machines - And there WAS NO "Deliverance" no "Easing of the pain, or craving - just "Cold turkey" all the way - and "smoking dreams" where I lit up and then woke up all convicted until I realized that it wasn't real - STILL get them now and again.
And then it got better, and I could think about something besides lighting up - I still like fruit flavored life savers, though.
That was 1969. I'm STILL an nicotine addict, and STILL hooked on Cigarettes - I just haven't smoked in 41 years ( I like second hand smoke though).
And MY will power didn't do it - COULDN'T do it. HE did it.
farouk
Member
Re: So did I - twice
Bob:
Thanks for your encouraging comments.
Let's hope your daughter can quit, too. (Is she a Christian, by the way?)
Actually, I don't necessarily think it's a religious issue - (there are non-Christian non-smokers and Christian smokers) but it's good to quit and there is more money for other things, too, like you said.
Bob:
Thanks for your encouraging comments.
Let's hope your daughter can quit, too. (Is she a Christian, by the way?)
Actually, I don't necessarily think it's a religious issue - (there are non-Christian non-smokers and Christian smokers) but it's good to quit and there is more money for other things, too, like you said.
Mike
Member
Farouk, I'm glad you didn't receive my response to your OP in a way unintended. You're always extremely uplifting to other members here, and I only wanted to say... well, you know.
The closest I can compare to the hold cigarettes can have on someone, I suppose, is with my weight. I was never off the charts, but from the time I graduated from college, it was a something I needed to pay more attention to. I remember my family came back from a 10 day vacation (vacations always seem to include more food!) and I hit the scale a few pounds shy of 200. At 5'9'', that's not a good ratio. I sat down on the toilet, yeah that's right, and put it all up to Him. That was about 7 years ago, and I've been under 170 since. Even finished a marathon a few years after that!
Once I started seeing results, the feeling of better living was motivation to stay on track. I would think there would be a similar motivation for someone who quits smoking. Besides the obvious health benefits, your clothes smell better, I hear you taste food more, etc. They are different in the addictive nature that smoking has. I can break down and hit McDonalds once in a while, and it doesn't start an avalanche of urges like smoking. Actually, about 10 minutes after I do, I remember why I don't much anymore. :verysick
All that said, Paul's words in 1 Corinthians:
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28591">23</sup> “I have the right to do anything,†you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anythingâ€â€”but not everything is constructive. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28592">24</sup> No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28593">25</sup> Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28594">26</sup> for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.â€
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28595">27</sup> If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28596">28</sup> But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,†then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28597">29</sup> I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28598">30</sup> If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28599">31</sup> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28600">32</sup> Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28601">33</sup> even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
I believe it can become a personal sin issue if someone feels convicted to quit but doesn't. I'm not putting judgment on their faith. I'm just saying it can serve as a stumbling block.
The closest I can compare to the hold cigarettes can have on someone, I suppose, is with my weight. I was never off the charts, but from the time I graduated from college, it was a something I needed to pay more attention to. I remember my family came back from a 10 day vacation (vacations always seem to include more food!
) and I hit the scale a few pounds shy of 200. At 5'9'', that's not a good ratio. I sat down on the toilet, yeah that's right, and put it all up to Him. That was about 7 years ago, and I've been under 170 since. Even finished a marathon a few years after that!Once I started seeing results, the feeling of better living was motivation to stay on track. I would think there would be a similar motivation for someone who quits smoking. Besides the obvious health benefits, your clothes smell better, I hear you taste food more, etc. They are different in the addictive nature that smoking has. I can break down and hit McDonalds once in a while, and it doesn't start an avalanche of urges like smoking. Actually, about 10 minutes after I do, I remember why I don't much anymore. :verysick
All that said, Paul's words in 1 Corinthians:
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28591">23</sup> “I have the right to do anything,†you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anythingâ€â€”but not everything is constructive. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28592">24</sup> No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28593">25</sup> Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28594">26</sup> for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.â€
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28595">27</sup> If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28596">28</sup> But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,†then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28597">29</sup> I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28598">30</sup> If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28599">31</sup> So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28600">32</sup> Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28601">33</sup> even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
I believe it can become a personal sin issue if someone feels convicted to quit but doesn't. I'm not putting judgment on their faith. I'm just saying it can serve as a stumbling block.
farouk
Member
Yes, like Lewis says, come on, folks, gentlemen (and ladies) who do or have done.
Just let us know your thoughts.
Bob Carabbio
Member
The "religious" issue -
"Actually, I don't necessarily think it's a religious issue - (there are non-Christian non-smokers and Christian smokers)"
Essentially the "Religious issue" that I saw was the breaking of the First Commandment - Thou shall have NO OTHER GODS - etc.
The Churches tend to use 1 Cor 2:16,17 against smoking - but those are verses about the "Protection of the church" from people who would defile it - so not applicable. Smoking will harm your body - but that's not really the issue.
The BOTTOM LINE is that the object of ANY "Addiction" is a "god" that the addict MUST SERVE, and believe me I served the "cigarette god" with a far greater loyalty, and personal dedication that I've EVER served God HIMSELF with.
Naturally "Smoking" won't send you to hell (but as the old Baptist preacher would say: "but it'll make you SMELL like hell") - but it's important for spiritual growth to NOT be tied down worshiping addictions - Food, Drugs, Cigarettes, Hobbies, Sex, whatever.
"Actually, I don't necessarily think it's a religious issue - (there are non-Christian non-smokers and Christian smokers)"
Essentially the "Religious issue" that I saw was the breaking of the First Commandment - Thou shall have NO OTHER GODS - etc.
The Churches tend to use 1 Cor 2:16,17 against smoking - but those are verses about the "Protection of the church" from people who would defile it - so not applicable. Smoking will harm your body - but that's not really the issue.
The BOTTOM LINE is that the object of ANY "Addiction" is a "god" that the addict MUST SERVE, and believe me I served the "cigarette god" with a far greater loyalty, and personal dedication that I've EVER served God HIMSELF with.
Naturally "Smoking" won't send you to hell (but as the old Baptist preacher would say: "but it'll make you SMELL like hell") - but it's important for spiritual growth to NOT be tied down worshiping addictions - Food, Drugs, Cigarettes, Hobbies, Sex, whatever.
farouk
Member
Re: The "religious" issue -
Bob:
I see, so I guess you DO think it's a 'religious issue', then.
I guess it may be for some ppl in terms of their consciences.
But whether it's inherently so, I'm not sure, myself. (Even the preacher CH Spurgeon smoked...)
Bob:
I see, so I guess you DO think it's a 'religious issue', then.
I guess it may be for some ppl in terms of their consciences.
But whether it's inherently so, I'm not sure, myself. (Even the preacher CH Spurgeon smoked...)
Okay so a while back I quit smoking.
Highly recommended.
Congratulations!!! No, I have never smoked but my grandfather who was born in the the 1800`s owned a small tabacco farm and he dipped. He was dipping since I guess he was around 12 or 13. Then out of the blue when he was around 80 he decided to stop and he just stopped. He made up his mind to not dip anymore without any pressure from anyone without any medical advice to do so. He just decided on his own and never touched tobacco ever again, but he did seem to replace the habit with chewing gum. He loved to chew after quitting tobacco. Might I note that my grandfather was a very faithful man of God both during his dipping years and after. I don`t know why he quit but I don`t think it was for religious reasons or he would have said that I think. He just decided to quit as far as I know maybe because he was too old to work anymore and he didn`t want to waste what money he had on tobacco. Before he got it free on his farm but when he left his farm, is when he quit.
pjt:
Ty
You never tried it, then? if you haven't tried smoking, no need to start
I will never smoke. I have zero desire for that plus I have children so I have to set an example for them. However, I did sort of try it I guess. Before my father was a Christian he occassionally smoked cigars, very rarely though, and once when he was smoking one he gave me a puff. I was maybe 5 or 6 years old and I can assure that cured any desire for me to ever smoke. One puff is all I needed to know smoking was not for me! After my father became a Christian around the time I was nine, he never touched another cigar but I think it was because my mother was developing asthma and he just didn`t want to do anything to aggrevate that.
pjt:
Well, great that though you tried it years and years ago, it didn't 'grip' you...
Actually I think my father gave it to me at such a young age so it would not grip me. A cigar is pretty strong to give a 5-6 year old and I think the lifelong outcome was exactly as he had hoped it would be. I can still remember that one puff to this very day, decades later! I think this is one thing my parents did right with me. My parents never told me I could not drink, smoke, curse, had to get good grades, or be home at a certain time. So I never felt a need to push my limits and rebel as some kids. I have never been a drinker, smoker, curser, I never stayed out late even though I never had a curfew, and I was always the top in my class. God tells us what pleases Him and my parents told me what pleased them, but after that God gives us great freedom and my parents did too. I think my parents were wise in this respect.
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It could have. It would probably be the difference like a sip of a nice sweet wine vs. hard sour whisky. A sip of whisky would probably put most small children off from drinking!
I am glad you quit too!