My Experience With Smoking

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My Experience With Smoking

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My mother died of emphysema. My uncle died of emphysema. My grandfather died of emphysema. Emphysema is a terrible way to go.

My three relatives all undoubtedly would have lived longer had they not been lifetime smokers. You can understand why I deplore the use of tobacco products and feel passionate about this subject.

I thank God I never became addicted to smoking. But I have suffered from seeing my loved ones and many friends suffer from severe health problems, depression and many other smoking-related stresses.

When I was a child, my parents and many adults around me smoked, but their example influenced me not to smoke. Their mental suffering—shame, guilt and regrets—as well as their physical suffering seemed to far outweigh what little pleasure they were getting from their smoking. They lamented that they were helpless slaves to their habit and passionately warned me against trying cigarettes. So I developed a healthy fear of any addiction.

I started my teen years by saying, "I don't drink, smoke or chew or go with the girls that do." But in my later teen years, in spite of the warnings I had received, I occasionally smoked on social occasions. Why? Only for the usual immature reasons—experimentation, youthful recklessness, peer pressure and wanting to be cool.

Though my smoking was infrequent, I eventually might have become addicted had I not received the greatest possible blessing. God opened my eyes to understand, love and want to live by His Word, the Bible. When God's will became important to me, and I realized it was His will that I not smoke, I never smoked again. I wish I could make it that easy for everyone else.

The Good News magazine is published by the United Church of God, which has ordained ministers in cities all over the world. Trained and experienced in pastoral counseling, the Church's ministry is deeply sympathetic to those struggling with addictions. Indeed, during my own 36 years as a minister I've given counsel and moral support to hundreds of people struggling to overcome smoking habits. Others in this ministry can say the same. All of us stand ready to help and support those who want to overcome an addiction. GN

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Comments

  • Nqabelo mpofu
    I started smoking at 13 and im now 43 ,ive tried many times to quit.i had started going to church but my guilt stopped me because i knew what i was doing was against Gods will.im ready to try again and with Gods grace and mercy i know i will overcome
  • United Church of God
    We heartily encourage you to read other good articles about smoking on this website: http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/smoking-and-health-often-overlooked-key/; http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/please-dont-smoke/; and http://www.ucg.org/christian-living/puff-puffcough-cough/. Even more importantly, read the Word of God for there are “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). There you will gain the understanding, guidance, motivation, encouragement and inspiration to tackle the hard problems of life. Hang tough. I’m praying for you.
  • United Church of God
    Dear talanc, Thank you for your comments. We’re delighted you’ve made it your goal to quit smoking and we’re glad you found this website. We deeply sympathize with your struggles because we’re well aware that nicotine is extremely addicting. Withdrawal involves some real suffering. But I like to remind myself that everything I suffer in this life to please Jesus Christ is small compared to the suffering He went through for me. You wrote, “I am wanting to quit.” And then, “Am I really willing to quit?” You see, you want to quit and you want to smoke. Once your desire to quit is stronger than your desire to smoke, you’ll quit. Our Creator God is eager to answer your prayers and help you but He first wants you to focus on a much bigger picture than just overcoming the smoking habit. That includes obeying all of His Ten Commandments. 1 John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”
  • Ivan Veller
    Hello Mr. Talanc, As Paul said: "I have learned [how]...to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12b-13 NKJV).
  • talanc

    I have been a smoker for longer than I can remember. I began when I was about 14-16. I am now 41. It's been a long time. I am wanting to quit. But, after going through the bible study of "a healthful, smoke-free life". I'm starting to doubt if I am truly willing to quit. I have a question, which I've been asking myself. Well, perhaps two questions. Am I really willing to quit? If I'm not asking God for His help...what does that mean? Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.

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