Dealing With the Temptation to Vape
Vaping is trendy in our culture today. But what exactly is it? Is vaping safe? Is it a good alternative to smoking? My friends are doing it, so is it okay? Let's dive into these questions and examine what Scripture says about them. You read that right! Scripture does have something to say about this!
WHAT IS VAPING
Let's start with the definition. Vaping is the action or practice of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by an electronic cigarette. According to kidshealth.org, vaping puts highly addictive nicotine into the body. This toxic substance raises your blood pressure, spikes your adrenaline, and increases your heart rate and the likelihood of a heart attack.
It also has underlying effects that can cause long-term damage. For example, since your body is still developing as a teen, nicotine can slow brain development and affect memory, concentration, learning, self-control, attention, and mood. Not good!
People often justify vaping as "detoxing " or weaning themselves off cigarettes. But vaping is just like any other drug. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving. It can also increase the risk of different types of addiction later in life.
THE TEMPTATION TO VAPE
The CDC reports that 27% of high schoolers have tried or are currently vaping regularly. Since many your age participates in this, it may appear enticing or look like innocent fun. Vape companies even developed sweet-tasting candy and fruit flavors to entice and mask inhaled toxic substances. Though peer pressure and companies might have a strong marketing game, our enemy's temptation is stronger.
Scripture says the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:7). He is constantly trying to deceive us and will do whatever it takes to derail believers. The devil likes to mask things to make them appear harmless and attractive, himself included (2 Cor. 11:14).
We see this truth in the Garden of Eden, where Eve was deceived by the serpent when he twisted God's words. This deceit confused her, thinking taking one bite wouldn't be so bad. But the reality is that this temptation led her to sin, which disconnected her from the presence of God.
Just as Eve believed one bite wouldn't affect her, we often think vaping once will do the same. However, our human nature is weak, and we can easily give in to what this world offers. You're not alone in your struggle with temptation, specifically your temptation to vape. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man." But the verse doesn't stop there. The following sentence says, "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." Though temptation from the world is strong, we are not alone in experiencing it. More importantly, we have a greater hope: Christ will provide a way out of temptation!
While tempted by the devil, Jesus clung to God and His Word to withstand the temptations set before him. Knowing Scripture and being able to battle against temptations when they are around you is one of the most valuable tools you can possess.
WHAT DOES SCRIPTURE SAY ABOUT VAPING?
Though the Bible does not say thou shall not vape, Scripture instructs us about our to steward our bodies for God's glory. Let's look at some verses!
[1 CORINTHIANS 10:23]
"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is beneficial."
[1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20]
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
[1 CORINTHIANS 10:31]
"…whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."
SO, IS VAPING WRONG?!
First of all, vaping is illegal for those under the age of 18-21. However, regardless of age, putting things into your body that cause harm is never God's best for us.
Vaping is something that is still being studied and researched. Why entertain the thought of inhaling vapor when there are many questions about the extent of damage it may cause?
Your body is a temple, a gift given to you by God. What you put into your body matters! As a follower of Christ, you have surrendered your whole self to the Lord. Being careful about what you put into your body and being a good steward is something He has entrusted to you. Pour things into your life that will benefit and nurture your body and soul!
When tempted to vape, let's choose what is true, honorable, and pure (Phil. 4:8). As you navigate the pressures of this world, I encourage you to seek a trusted mentor or parent to help point you in the right direction. God's Word never changes and is always the guide we can look to for the best answer and what will ultimately glorify Him!
Lyndsay Wagner loves Jesus, coffee, and ice cream (in that order). She is a native Okie from Oklahoma and serves on the Student Ministry Staff at First Baptist Tulsa. She loves teaching the Word of God and is passionate about discipling and helping teen girls know and follow Christ. Connect with her on her Instagram page.