Hello, Brian Sloan here. Did I see cigarettes in the hands of a few of you? Yep, I believe I did. Well, should I preach to you? Actually, I'm a minister. I mean I have an ordination certification and can carry out wedding ceremonies and all sorts of cool things. Aren't you impressed? Yeah, right. Didn't think so. Yet I love doing what I do. But certainly I digress.....back to the cigarettes ...Not going to preach... I'm just not going to be judgmental to you if you're a cigarette smoker. You know why? It's because I have a lot of faults in my life to point fingers at you for smoking.
Here's exactly what I believe. If Jesus himself joined us in a room filled with cigarette smokers and non-smokers, He would be a lot more concerned about several of the soul and heart issues or (secret sins possibly) as much as he would be with an individual that has a smoking habit. So, I'm not down on my friends who smoke. Sorry.
Am I defending cigarette smoking? Heck no! (Remember I need to say things like "heck" because I'm a clergyman). I prefer that people would quit smoking- not due to the fact that I think they are some large sinner compared to me - not because it smells bad (and it does) but, due to the fact that it literally eliminates wonderful people. We know that. Annually, an estimated 443,000 people pass away too soon from cigarette smoking or direct exposure to secondhand smoke. Apart from that, one more 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses induced by smoking.
If you go into the medical professionals clinic with a terrible heart problem or a simple ingrown toenail, exactly what's the first thing he's going to \point out? Uh huh. Stop smoking cigarettes. So, unlike numerous financial or political policy debates, the manmade global warming debate, and many more topics, the argument over smoking has long been over. Smoking is bad. Reeeeally bad. So, as a pastor, no - not just as a pastor, however as good friend and/or relative of those who smoke, how can we help to motivate our friends to stop?
The buddies I've had who smoke typically had a desire to give it up, but simply couldn't quite get there. But, to quit you have to do a few things. Here are some proven suggestions to help.
Decide. Draw the line in the sand and do it. Period. I don't suggest cold turkey, but, choose that it WILL TAKE PLACE.
Partner with another cigarette smoker who wants to quit. This is a great method to do it. You have an edge when you start with an accountability partner that is undergoing the exact same things you are.
Receive support from your medical professional. There are a heck of a number of great individuals (oops, another preacher curse word) who have succeeded fighting the nicotine desires by using meds like Zyban or Wellbutrin, which is primarily the same thing.
If you start the journey to stop then slip and smoke, don't beat up on yourself. Simply get back to it. If your objective is to be free from cigarettes in 2 months, and it takes you 6 months - bingo! Aren't you still successful?
You can do it. Receive aid from good friends. Get assistance from your physician, and you can obtain reassurance from folks like me. Don't permit cigarette smoking to continuously damage you. You're worth too much to us all! You're worth too much to God! You can most definitely do this!
Decide. Team up with a buddy if at all possible. Get advice and even an appropriate drug from your Doctor. And..Get up if you stumble! Blessings to you!
Here's exactly what I believe. If Jesus himself joined us in a room filled with cigarette smokers and non-smokers, He would be a lot more concerned about several of the soul and heart issues or (secret sins possibly) as much as he would be with an individual that has a smoking habit. So, I'm not down on my friends who smoke. Sorry.
Am I defending cigarette smoking? Heck no! (Remember I need to say things like "heck" because I'm a clergyman). I prefer that people would quit smoking- not due to the fact that I think they are some large sinner compared to me - not because it smells bad (and it does) but, due to the fact that it literally eliminates wonderful people. We know that. Annually, an estimated 443,000 people pass away too soon from cigarette smoking or direct exposure to secondhand smoke. Apart from that, one more 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses induced by smoking.
If you go into the medical professionals clinic with a terrible heart problem or a simple ingrown toenail, exactly what's the first thing he's going to \point out? Uh huh. Stop smoking cigarettes. So, unlike numerous financial or political policy debates, the manmade global warming debate, and many more topics, the argument over smoking has long been over. Smoking is bad. Reeeeally bad. So, as a pastor, no - not just as a pastor, however as good friend and/or relative of those who smoke, how can we help to motivate our friends to stop?
The buddies I've had who smoke typically had a desire to give it up, but simply couldn't quite get there. But, to quit you have to do a few things. Here are some proven suggestions to help.
Decide. Draw the line in the sand and do it. Period. I don't suggest cold turkey, but, choose that it WILL TAKE PLACE.
Partner with another cigarette smoker who wants to quit. This is a great method to do it. You have an edge when you start with an accountability partner that is undergoing the exact same things you are.
Receive support from your medical professional. There are a heck of a number of great individuals (oops, another preacher curse word) who have succeeded fighting the nicotine desires by using meds like Zyban or Wellbutrin, which is primarily the same thing.
If you start the journey to stop then slip and smoke, don't beat up on yourself. Simply get back to it. If your objective is to be free from cigarettes in 2 months, and it takes you 6 months - bingo! Aren't you still successful?
You can do it. Receive aid from good friends. Get assistance from your physician, and you can obtain reassurance from folks like me. Don't permit cigarette smoking to continuously damage you. You're worth too much to us all! You're worth too much to God! You can most definitely do this!
Decide. Team up with a buddy if at all possible. Get advice and even an appropriate drug from your Doctor. And..Get up if you stumble! Blessings to you!
About the Author:
Check out Brian's other helpful tips on how to stop smoking, and also check out his site on the Effects of Zyban (Wellbutrin).
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