For a smoky believer, it is important to know whether it is okay to smoke while fasting. This topic must be viewed from several angles, as it has its pitfalls.
Is smoking a sin if the Bible doesn't make it clear? And is it worth fasting if you can't give up this addiction? It is worth shedding light on these and other troubling questions.
Smoking: a sin or not?
Many people falsely claim that smoking is not a sin because there is no clear reference to it in the Bible. The fact is, like gluttony, drunkenness, luxury, smoking is the most common physical passion. But the holy fathers interpret the concept of passion as a spiritual illness that is a stumbling block to the salvation of the human soul. Smoking also develops other vices in the human soul. So egoism begins to manifest itself roughly. Parents who smoke in the presence of their children do not think about the damage they are doing to their health. And besides, they involuntarily accustom them to this ruinous business. In this case, parents act not only against the Christian conscience, but also against the rules of human morality.
The conclusion is obvious: smoking is a sin that destroys the soul. It is all the more sinful to smoke during Lent, as this is the most favorable time to cleanse the body. Smoking is also a sin because it is detrimental to health. The Bible says that health, like life, is given by God. And a person does not have the moral right to shorten his life with addictions on his own. A smoker does not realize that he is not only harming his own health but also the health of those around him.
Another sin follows smoking - self-justification. There is probably not a single smoker who doesn't try to justify their perishable passion. The phrase "I can easily quit smoking if I want, but now I don't see any point in it" has been said by every smoker. This is a delusion of a weak-willed person who is ashamed to admit that they are really addicted to smoking. All attempts to justify smoking look extremely pathetic compared to the information available to medicine:
- The tobacco composition contains a strong poison nicotine (approx. 2%). Incidentally, nicotine sulfate is often used in agriculture to kill pests.
- While smoking, nicotine enters the body and then begins to penetrate the brain.
- People who smoke for several years notice a deterioration in their health. This is because nicotine poison eventually finds a weak link in the body and causes serious illness.
- Scientists have proven that nicotine contains a large number of cancer-causing carcinogens.
- The radioactive substances in the composition of tobacco are very harmful to health.
This is just a short list of the disadvantages of smoking, and other equally serious problems follow. Smoking also leads to divorce, as it is undoubtedly a blow to the family budget, which means constant scandals. In such quarrels, a smoker cannot adequately control his emotions, resulting in terrible vocabulary and even assault.
Is Fasting a Good Time to Quit Smoking?
It is foolish to ask if you can smoke during Lent, because this time can serve as the number one reason to quit smoking.
A person needs to fight all sinful tendencies, especially when it comes to their health. Perhaps the time of fasting is a real opportunity for you to say goodbye to this bad habit.
Of course, everyone understands that it will be extremely difficult for people who smoke for a long time to give up cigarettes.
Of course, if your willpower allows it and you can quit smoking in the blink of an eye, this is worth praise. But not everyone will be able to take such a step. For many, a step-by-step approach to this difficult matter is more appropriate.
How can you stop smoking during Lent?
Lent is a fruitful time to accomplish deeds. It is time for you to do it. This sinful habit can even be found in the popular saying: "Smoking - the devil for smoking". If you don't quit smoking while fasting, nothing else will basically make sense. How can fasting be considered valid if a person does not give up his greatest addiction? Of course not.
The best help in the fight against smoking is Orthodox prayer. A miraculous prayer before God awakens the conscience to take harsh measures against yourself.
The great Lent is a blessed time when a person is united with the Lord through the sacrament of communion through prayer. God gives him strength and health for new deeds. Read a prayer, talk to a priest about the sinfulness of smoking, go to communion, and you will want to say goodbye to that addiction yourself.
Many people advise quitting smoking on the last day before Lent begins. The bottom line is: smoke in the evening and before going to bed put an empty box of cigarettes next to you on the table and next to it a note saying "I will not smoke as of today". You can also put an empty matchbox or a used lighter next to it. On the one hand this is a fun tool, on the other hand it is very effective. Thanks to this method, thousands of people quit smoking.
It does not matter which way you choose to stop smoking, the main thing is to believe in yourself and in the Lord.
It gives strength and helps you quit smoking.
Unfortunately, most believers only give up this heinous habit while fasting and then start smoking again afterwards. But as I said, everything starts small. Perhaps this is your small step towards a big company. Think: if you have managed to stop smoking during Lent, then can't you finally say goodbye to the painful poison that is eating away at your soul and body?
The clergy are also advised to confess regularly. Couldn't hold back and smoked a cigarette - regret it, ask your spiritual mentor for advice. Priests sometimes penalize smokers. These are special rules of prayer. For example, if you want to quit smoking, read the canon of penance to Jesus Christ daily while you fast. This method serves as a psychological setting. Anyway, it helps a lot too.
In no case do not be discouraged. Scripture says, "Please, and you will receive. " If you believe, pray, and ask God for help, you can quit smoking once and for all and truly enjoy life.