How is it that Christians place more importance on not smoking, than on not drinking? The Bible says no drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, but the same people who say must not smoke are the ones who often say they drink regularly.
This is the kind of politically correct thinking that is killing our nation. We are so worried about what Hollywood has told us is right, that we no longer even have a clue of the truth. We are to be in the world, not of the world. Separation of church and state is NOT in the constitution, in fact it says just the opposite. Political correctness is strangling the life of our country, and now, our churches.
Are we so weak as Christians that we accept whatever the media tells us? Doesn't anyone have the guts to say, NO, I will not go along with that! God doesn't need wimps, He has enough already apparently. Quit being spineless Christians and take a stand for right! You will be surprised how good it feels to not be a pushover.
For me, it's a simple resolution/conviction not based on my faith in Christ. I have asthma and tons of allergies since my first day of life in this world, and I can't stand being around smoke. It irritates my sinuses and lungs. Personally, I feel based upon logical reasoning that both smoking and drinking add no value to your life, physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. For a lot of people who do one or both, typically become physically or emotionally dependent on these substances. I get tired of hearing those people who do these things justify their unhealthy habits/addictions by suggesting that we are all going to die anyway, so what does it matter if I do smoke or drink. It's my life, leave me alone. Technically, if you are a Christian, this life is not yours.
You belong to Christ. He is your example. Perhaps people who drink or smoke are blindsided by not being able to see
that it is possible to not drink and smoke, and enjoy not smoking and drinking, and be happy without feeding that desire to do so. Both smoking and drinking really serve no purpose and for the most part pollute your body. It almost shows a lack of faith and integrity by not displaying the resolve to remove unhealthy behavioral patterns in your life whether it's smoking, drinking, pornography, unhealthy eating/overeating, or even spiritual stagnation by not finding
the fortitudue within to consistently study God's Word, pray,
praise, and serve God in love even when you don't "feel"
like it. Sure, you can do things in faith for the right and wrong reason, but is your desire to drink and smoke even
if it's done "in faith" a really good application of the faith
We, as Christians, have to stop running people off! We tell them all about this loving and forgiving God, and then, as soon as they commit, we slam them with no smoking, drinking, dancing, music, whatever. They see a legalistic approach and decide to go their own way.
Should we do these things, no. Are they a sin, of course not. I understand your reason, and I agree you have that right. But, if all the people who claim to be allergic or asthmatic, actually were, our hospitals would be full of people needing oxygen.
I was pointing out the difference in what the Bible actually says, and what man has made it. Pharisee's did not get it in Jesus' time and they don't get it in our's. The Kingdom of Heaven is not eating or drinking, or smoking, or dancing, or playing music, and especially not judging. It is about love, tolerance, kindness, and faith.
The No Smoking movement is a secular thing that our churches have bought into, and even caused us to twist scriptures to incorporate. The defilement that Paul was talking about was with a harlot, and his point was that it effects you SPIRITUALLY, not physically. We use that now so we can look down on others for doing something we don't approve of. Does that sound like a Christian value? Do you think the Apostle Paul would want us using it to control others and tell them what to do?
Now, it sounds like I'm the one who is on the stand before the almighty judge, yet, my friend, there is only one real
JUDGE who will take into account all of the things we
say, don't say, do, and dont do, as not to condemn us
eternallly, but to gain or lose our eternal rewards.
I completely understand what you were trying to say, and fortunately, I don't go to a church that's in the practice
of condemning people. You seem to have me labeled as
the person who goes around shaking a finger in every persons face who smokes, drinks, does drugs, overeats, etc.
Not the case, but in having conversations with many coworkers who have and do smoke and drink typically
have used the reason of "were all going to die anyway, so
what does it matter what I DO" Not a very responisible or healty attitude towards living. Borderline ignorant.
It's not my job to change people. It's not my job to control
what people do or don't do. It's my responsiblity to care
about people, serve them in love, share the gospel, and
let God convict people as to what is working or not working in their lives. Though, some things are common sense. Do you really need to investigate God's Word to support your smoking or drinking habits? Do you need to confer to His Truth about deciding if you should quit for the well-being of your short term and long term health?
Like, I said, I'm against smoking and drinking. Did I say it
was a sin, no, I didn't, but it's possible to enjoy life without doing either of these. For me, it comes down to quality of life and being a good steward of what God has given to me
on all levels of being:physically, emotionally, mentally, and
spiritually. They are all connected.
I can tell by your comment about asthma that you're not
qualified to talk about it, and found that mildly offensive. You really don't know the in's and out's of that condition, and any and all asthma attacks have the potential of being life threatening. I have been in that situation many times, and have had a life time of real life run of the mill asthma attacks. It's typically easier to control them long term, then it is to deal with them in the short term because of the senstivity of their nature.
Everyone with asthma is different. Not everyone reacts in the same way, to the same stimuli, or in the same severity, but the foundation is the same; which is an underlying inflammation in the lining of the lungs causing restricted
airways, mucous build up, and host of other real symptons and issues. It's said the the average asthmatic has around 10% less lung function than most normal human beings without the condition.
Oxygen typically isn't needed in an asthma attack unless it becomes life threatening. However, oxygen is needed is
most patients with emphysema, which is another lung condition that detiorates the lungs and enlarges the heart until you either suffer a major heart attack or suffocate
to death. It sucks life out of you one day at a time. A slow, painful death. That's how my grandmother died, and she created the condition in her own body by years of smoking.
So, I appreciate your knowlegde of Gods' Word, but unless
you have asthma and have experienced it firsthand it
would suit you best to stick with God's Word. If you want
to have a discussion about it, then go read 12 books
on the subject and then make a qualifying observation
My apologies about the asthma comment that offended you. I have several family members that ARE asthmatic, and I do know that O2 doesn't do any good during an attack. It takes breathing treatments and steroids usually along with the long term treatment that you spoke of. I spoke without thinking, and I truly do apologize for that.
And, you are correct that it is a matter of stewardship, among other things.
I know my post sounded like I was accusing you of being judgmental, but I really didn't mean it that way. I know from our previous conversations, that you are a very good and loving brother.
There are churches out there that actually kick people out of the church for smoking! The point I was trying to make is; there are many more important things to worry about than smoking. We just concentrate on that because it is politically correct right now. We have to stop letting the world into our way of thinking. This is just one example of what is becoming too common in our churches today.
That is absolutely accurate! I don't drink at all but I do smoke...not that it's ok to smoke either! Been thru alot and just when I had committed to quitting (after smoking for over 30 years!) my husband had an affair! Not that that is an acceptable excuse but quitting after that long is extremely difficult and at that point I felt my sanity was hugely more important! Now that I'm back to being as sane as I'll ever be, I have cut down considerably and have set Jan. 1 as the cut off date to begin (yet another) change in my life. The cancer society has a good booklet out that basically tells you to cut down and then set a target date (as well as alot of other good info) but you're right, to ALOT of people I can be a drunk as long as I don't smoke! Crazy world!
