The Bible does not explicitly mention smoking, as tobacco use became more widespread after biblical times. However, the Bible does speak to addictive behaviors and practices that harm the body, which can provide guidance for quitting smoking. Here is an overview of what the Bible says that may help in quitting smoking:
Ask God for Help
Admitting powerlessness over addiction is an important first step (1 John 1:9). We should ask God for empowerment to make positive changes (Philippians 4:13). Through prayer, reading Scripture, and Christian community, God can renew our minds and wills to align more closely with His (Romans 12:2). Relying on God’s strength rather than our own is key.
Replace Unhealthy Desires with Godly Ones
Smoking often becomes a crutch for stress relief, boredom, anxiety, etc. The Bible advises replacing destructive desires with positive ones (Galatians 5:16-24). Rather than acting on unhealthy cravings, we can turn to prayer, Scripture reading, serving others, immersing ourselves in hobbies, or other spiritually nourishing activities. God can instill new desires in us.
Avoid Triggers
The Bible warns against putting ourselves in tempting situations we may not be able to resist (Proverbs 22:3). It may help to avoid triggering surroundings, activities or even friends for a season while breaking the smoking habit. Fleeing temptation protects us (2 Timothy 2:22).
Make No Provision for the Flesh
Having cigarettes easily accessible caters to fleshly cravings. The Bible advises against making provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Removing ashtrays, lighters, cigarettes, etc. from your surroundings can help minimize temptation. Out of sight can mean out of mind.
Focus on Renewing the Mind
Smoking often begins in the mind before manifesting as an action. Scripture emphasizes mind renewal through God’s truth (Romans 12:2). Immersing the mind in Bible verses, reading books on overcoming addiction, or listening to uplifting Christian messages can all help renew our minds and kick bad habits.
Pray for and Seek Accountability
James 5:16 promotes confessing sins to one another and praying for each other. Accountability helps prevent backsliding into old ways. Sharing the goal to quit smoking with a pastor, small group, or recovering Christian friend allows them to support progress and offer godly counsel.
Be Patient and Don’t Get Discouraged
Change is a process. God’s help to overcome addiction may come quickly or slowly, but He is faithful (Philippians 1:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:24). If stumbling blocks come, get back up and keep trying. “A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again” (Proverbs 24:16). Persevere prayerfully.
Focus on Being Made New in Christ
Identity in Christ eclipses worldly habits and behaviors. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God sees us as new creations, not “smokers struggling to quit.” Keeping an eternal perspective fuels positive change.
Consider Your Body a Temple
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 explains that our bodies are not actually ours, but God’s temple within us. Mistreating our bodies through unhealthy addictions defiles God’s temple. Reflecting on the body as God’s holy temple encourages us to honor Him through positive choices.
Ponder How the Habit Impacts Christian Witness
While smoking is not sinful in itself, overindulging in anythingworldly can hinder our Christian witness (1 Corinthians 6:12). 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 says to do all to God’s glory. Does chainsmoking glorify God? Does it undermine sharing the Gospel? Pondering its impact can motivate quitting.
Trust God’s Power to Heal and Restore
God promises to restore those struggling with addiction who turn to Him (Joel 2:25-27). His power is unlimited (Jeremiah 32:27). Trusting God’s mighty power rather than relying on fleeting substances brings hope. He can heal the underlying wounds driving addictions.
Consider Health as a Motivator
While our heavenly focus should overrule earthly concerns, stewarding our health can also motivate positive change (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Reflecting on increased cancer risk, reduced lung capacity, chronic bronchitis, early aging and other impacts may provide supplemental motivation to quit.
Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit
Addictions often stem from issues like lack of self-control, peace, patience, love or joy. But the Bible says the Holy Spirit manifests these positive traits in believers as we yield to Him (Galatians 5:16-25). Cooperating with the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives equips us to overcome addiction.
Find Healthy Substitutions
Rather than focusing on resisting smoking, mentally substitute a God-glorifying action whenever a craving strikes. Pray, play worship music, journal Bible verses, chew gum, squeeze a stress ball, or go for a walk. Healthy distractions help retrain the mind and form new habits.
Envision a Smoke-Free Identity
If our minds dwell on failure, predicting defeat can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. God sees us as overcomers in Christ (1 John 5:4). Envisioning yourself joyfully smoke-free reinforces this identity. Let your mind meditate on who God says you are in Him.
In summary, relying on God’s power, saturating the mind with Scripture, avoiding temptation, substituting positive habits, prayerfully persevering and trusting His restoration can help followers of Christ quit smoking in a manner pleasing to God. With God all things are possible!