Break Free from Smoking Addiction with These 5 Steps

Are you addicted to smoking? Or is someone you love a smoker? Have you tried many different ways but still not succeeded in stopping this habit?

I used to be an active smoker for nearly 20 years, and as of now, I have been smoke-free for six years. Back then, when I did not know God, I considered cigarettes to be something normal. Even though I knew smoking was harmful to health, I had no strong reason to quit.

Why did I finally change my mind? Is smoking a sin? How can you break free from cigarette addiction?

What Does the Bible Say about Smoking?

The Bible never directly states that smoking is a sin. However, it clearly shows that God's principles are not in line with the habit of smoking.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercy of God I urge you, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God: this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God: what is good, pleasing to God, and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2

God's Word urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Cigarettes contain nicotine and tar, which have been scientifically proven to damage the body. Deliberately consuming these substances means defiling ourselves with harmful things.

It does not only affect the smoker's health, but cigarette smoke also endangers the people around them. This clearly goes against God's command for us to love our neighbors.

And the second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31

So, it is clear that smoking is a SIN and is not fitting for a follower of Christ. You may see some Christians smoking without feeling guilty. However, that does not mean it can be used as justification.

Realizing that smoking is the same as sinning against myself and others became my turning point to truly stop smoking. Now I have a right perspective on smoking. Even so, just because we know smoking is a sin does not mean the struggle to quit suddenly becomes easy.

Here are steps you can take to break free from the habit of smoking.

Tips for Quitting Smoking

1. Strong Determination

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules among Israel. – Ezra 7:10

Ezra was a scribe who lived after the Babylonian exile. He wanted to teach the Law of God to the people of Israel who had returned to Jerusalem. For that reason, Ezra was determined to study the books of the Law and apply them. His steadfastness and strong resolve eventually succeeded in leading the nation of Israel to repentance.

As a first step, you must have strong determination. This determination is the capital that will greatly determine the success of your next steps. Strengthen your resolve by describing clearly why you must quit smoking. For example:

• I want to repent because smoking is a sin.
• I want to live a healthier life.
• I want my family to be safe from the dangers of cigarette smoke.

Write down your reasons in places that are easy to see, such as a notebook, wallpaper on your phone, or on a display card, as motivation to encourage you.

2. Find the Triggers and Break the Cycle

A smoker has a pattern of habits that drives them to smoke at the same times every day. You need to identify what triggers your habit pattern and break the cycle. Example:

• • I usually smoke while drinking coffee. Action you can take: drink your coffee while reading a book or watching something so your mind is distracted. Or, more extremely, fast from coffee while going through your stop-smoking program.
  • I smoke after eating. Preventive action: brush your teeth after meals, chew gum or menthol candy instead of smoking.
  • I smoke when I am stressed. Preventive action: manage your stress properly, for example by listening to worship music, exercising, gardening, or doing a hobby.

3. Smoke-Free Companionship

Your social circle has a major influence on your effort to break free from cigarette addiction. You may have already quit for a week / a month / a year, only to start smoking again because you often gather with friends who smoke.

I once helped someone break free from cigarette addiction. He was able to refrain from smoking for a long time, as long as he was in or interacting with our community. However, when he met up with his old friends or when he was alone, he smoked again. This pattern kept repeating and proved how great the role of spiritual activities and community is in helping you stay away from cigarettes.

Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good habits. – 1 Corinthians 15:33

For those of you who have started quitting smoking and want to be completely free from addiction, join a spiritual community right away, such as a ministry group or fellowship. Involve yourself in the activities they hold. In this way, you will be encouraged to focus on things that are more important, healthier, and edifying.

4. Involve Family and Friends

Recognize the vulnerable times when you are tempted to smoke. Every time that desire appears, tell the person you have involved to help you so that they can strengthen you. Let your family at home know that you are in the process of quitting smoking and ask them to remind you. Once they remind you, of course you must not get angry or secretly break your commitment, or your effort will be in vain.

Besides family, the support of friends is no less important. Ask a few friends to be your mentors, who will continually guide, advise, and watch over you. If the urge to smoke comes while you are alone, you can call your mentor to get effective direction and input. Another benefit is that you can learn from the experience of those who have already been freed from cigarette addiction.

5. Involve God and Study His Word

Perhaps you have applied points 1 through 4 perfectly, yet still have not been freed from the sin of smoking. Do not worry, there are still many other ways to quit smoking. Look for more information through the internet or from people who have already broken free from this habit.

On this occasion, I want to share my personal experience of how I succeeded in breaking free from cigarette addiction. Perhaps my story can help you.

As a teenager, my father once caught me smoking, then scolded and punished me. I was made to understand the dangers of cigarettes, then ordered to stop smoking that very moment. Did I quit? No.

After getting married, my wife asked me to stop smoking. Her reason was that besides damaging my health, cigarette smoke also endangered her and our children as passive smokers. Did I quit? No.

Finally, for health reasons, I began to stop smoking. I felt proud because I had managed to do it by my own effort. However, one year later, because of stress, I started smoking again.

Until finally, while attending a Bible study, I received wisdom that quitting smoking is God's command. Praise God, through hearing the word, I decided to stop completely that very day, and I have continued to this day. . The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. – 1 John 5:3

Studying the word helped me love God by obeying His commandments. The Lord Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross to redeem my sin. And I no longer want to defile my body with nicotine because my body is the temple of God.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have received from God, and that you are not your own? – 1 Corinthians 6:19

Breaking the habit of smoking is not easy, but it is not impossible. Even if you stumble again and again, keep fighting. Continue to involve God in your struggle, and keep praying and staying in a healthy community. Do not give up, and keep your spirit up!

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13 - Church GKDI is currently present in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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