Your Valuable Body

Jesus Christ succeeded in the risky and elaborate game of death that was constructed oh so long ago, and as a result, we are set free from the entangling arms of Satan and his control. This freedom is for us to credit Christ for and to honor Him, not be cavalier and subject our bodies to licentiousness and abuse. That means excesses in vices are a no-no. Abusing our bodies is out. Endangering the welfare of our bodies or body parts is not allowed. We have to take care of our bodies, not harm them.

One way that many individuals harm their bodies is by smoking. Smoking cigarettes endangers our welfare and is a dangerous addiction that can potentially kill the smoker. Worse, the injurious addiction can affect and/or kill friends, loved ones, and even the environment. Second-hand smoke is no longer the fly in the ointment, it is the ugly reality that we face every day.

Thankfully, we live in an industrialized society that endeavors to enact laws and regulations to ensure the safety and preservation of natural resources, including the very air that we breathe. Our society even concerns itself with the well being of our bodies. In New York City, the powers that be have embarked on an ad campaign that attacks the smoking addiction by highlighting the harmful effects of the addiction.

Have you seen the ads at the newstands? Powerfully graphic posters show diseased, atrophied human organs. The shock-and-awe approach is designed to raise awareness by the smoker (and those affected by smoking!) to the effects of their addiction. It has certainly gotten the attention of New Yorkers, and it has even gotten the attention of the large tobacco companies who are suing the city to stop the publication of the ads. This reminds me of Paul asking, incredulously, if his pointing out of facts has caused a rift.

The city has gone a step further than just print ads and provided videos to bolster their ad campaign. Take a look at the videos below:



I applaud New York City for taking such a determined stance. God has taken a stance on the topic, too, and a much more important stance. Did you know? He says that our bodies are temples, and that we have to give God the best temple possible. That's quite a blessing to have been purchased by God, from Satan's control. The least we can do is show God our appreciation by taking care of these bodies of ours.

Do you have an addiction like smoking? What about drinking alcohol, or using stimulants like caffeine (yes, that even includes green tea)? Maybe a little bit of social or recreational drugs? These things, while they may appear enjoyable, do much more harm than the perceived good. Studies prove this point over and over again, but facts detailing the harmful effects of the addictions have been presented from a much more credible source: the Bible.

Make a commitment to ask God for the strength to cancel your addictions, whatever they are. Ask God to replace the dangerous habits with temperance and a healthful lifestyle. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is known worldwide for its stance on health and a lifestyle committed to God. We can offer you the assistance you need to reach out to God and make a stand. Get in touch with our Health Ministries Department. Feel free to ask us to pray for you or contact us at any time to begin your new life that glorifies God with a wonderful body.

God bless you, as you bless others.
Elder Scott Hampton