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"Mind If I Smoke?"
No, if you prove
conclusively that it is not harmful to your body, which is the temple of
the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19). Modern evidence definitely
shows that the use of tobacco is harmful to the body. If this is true,
then I mind if you smoke because I fear for your soul because you are
committing suicide on the installment plan.
No, if you can prove that it does not damage your influence as a
Christian, that is, if the fact of your smoking does not in any way
cause your "good to be evil spoken of" (Romans 14:16). Think of
talking to someone about becoming a Christian with the smell of tobacco
on your breath.
No, if you can in good conscience tell me that you have absolutely no
objection to your husband, wife or children taking up the habit. We
should not exemplify before our families what we would not want them to
do.
No, if you can honestly say that you would think it is all right
for the elders, deacons, preacher and Bible class teachers to smoke.
After all, if it is all right for you, it is all right for everyone
else.
No, if you can truthfully say that the money you use to support
your tobacco habit is not more needed by your family for things which
are more beneficial. We need to take our stewardship of our money more
seriously.
No, if you can definitely establish that you are not addicted to
tobacco. If you are, it is a work of the flesh which will endanger your
soul (Romans 6:16, Matthew 6-24, Galatians 5:19-21).
----James P. Needham
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