Smoking Addiction

(Read Smoking Addiction, Part 1 First)

Smoking Addiction – A Personal Story
One day it occurred to me – I had a smoking addiction. I knew I needed to stop, but I didn’t know if I could. When I tried to stop in my own strength, replacement methods failed. I got frustrated from trying to stop smoking, only to fail again. I got tired of the withdrawal symptoms. Finally, I asked God to help me conquer my addiction. He had helped me with other areas of my life, so I thought I would see what He has to say about smoking.

God has supplied us with a “manual," proven true over the centuries, that teaches us how to operate the human body: it’s the Bible. Could there be something in the Bible to help me stop smoking? Although it’s not a medical text, it is the Words of God. Its pages contain fundamental principles for good health.

First, the Bible commands us to not allow our bodies to become a slave to anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, "‘I am allowed to do anything.’ But I reply, ‘Not everything is good for you.’ And even though ‘I am allowed to do anything,’ I must not become a slave to anything.” I knew first hand that I was being mastered by nicotine. I was its slave.

Later in the same passage I read, "Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I knew that smoking was very bad for my health, so it was wrong for me. I had to quit.

By trusting God to help me quit smoking, I was able to lay down my cigarettes for good. It hasn’t always been easy, but I know it is the correct decision. What about you? Is it the best decision for you too? I’m certain it is! God wants to help you with this addiction. Will you let Him?

God loves you so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for you. He want to have a relationship with you. God wants you free from the addictive power of nicotine. By turning to Jesus in repentance and faith, you can experience God’s freedom and love.