Hey, Brian Sloan right 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 pastor. I mean I have an ordination certification and can perform weddings and all types of cool stuff. Aren't you impressed? Yeah, right. Didn't think so. Yet I like doing what I do. But certainly I digress.....back to the cigarettes ...Not going to preach... I'm just not going to let myself be judgmental to you if you're a cigarette smoker. You understand why? It's due to the fact that I have too many bad habits in my life to point fingers at you for smoking.
Here's just what I think. If Jesus himself joined us in a meeting place filled with cigarette smokers and non-smokers, He would be much more concerned about a few of the soul and heart problems or (secret sins possibly) as much as he would be with somebody who has a cigarette smoking habit. So, I'm not down on my friends that smoke. Sorry.
Am I speaking up for cigarette smoking? Heck no! (Remember I need to say stuff like "heck" because I'm a clergyman). I wish that my friends would stop smoking- not because I think they are some large evildoer compared to me - not because it smells bad (and it does) however, because it literally gets rid of wonderful people. We understand that. Yearly, an estimated 443,000 individuals pass away prematurely from smoking or direct exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to that, one more 8.6 million people cope with serious illnesses induced by smoking.
If you enter the physicians clinic with a dreadful heart disease or a simple ingrown toenail, exactly what's the first thing he's going to say? Uh huh. Stop smoking. So, unlike various financial or political policy debates, the manmade global warming debate, and so on, the debate over cigarette smoking has actually long been decided. Smoking is bad. Reeeeally bad. So, as a pastor, no - not just as a minister, however as friend and/or relative of those who smoke, how can we help to motivate our friends to give it up?
The friends I've had who smoke typically had a wish to quit, but simply could not seem to make it. But, to stop you need to do a few things. Here are some proven suggestions to help.
Choose. Draw a line in the sand and do it. Period. I don't mean abrupt withdrawal, however, determine that it WILL HAPPEN.
Partner with an additional smoker that wants to quit. This is a terrific way to do it. You have an edge when you start with an accountability companion that is going through the same things you are.
Get help from your medical professional. There are a heck of a lot of people (oops, another pastor curse word) who have actually been successful battling the nicotine desires by using meds like Zyban or Wellbutrin, which is basically the very same thing.
If you start the journey to quit then slip and smoke, don't hammer on yourself. Just get back at it. If your target is to be free from the habit in 2 months, and it takes you six months - there you are! Aren't you still a success?
You can do it. Get help from good friends. Get help from your medical professional, and you may obtain motivation from individuals like me. Don't allow smoking cigarettes to continue to hurt you. You're worth too much to us all! You're worth too much to your maker! You can most definitely do this!
Choose. Team up with a friend if possible. Get help and even an appropriate drug from your Health care professional. And..Get right back up if you stumble! Blessings to you!
Here's just what I think. If Jesus himself joined us in a meeting place filled with cigarette smokers and non-smokers, He would be much more concerned about a few of the soul and heart problems or (secret sins possibly) as much as he would be with somebody who has a cigarette smoking habit. So, I'm not down on my friends that smoke. Sorry.
Am I speaking up for cigarette smoking? Heck no! (Remember I need to say stuff like "heck" because I'm a clergyman). I wish that my friends would stop smoking- not because I think they are some large evildoer compared to me - not because it smells bad (and it does) however, because it literally gets rid of wonderful people. We understand that. Yearly, an estimated 443,000 individuals pass away prematurely from smoking or direct exposure to secondhand smoke. In addition to that, one more 8.6 million people cope with serious illnesses induced by smoking.
If you enter the physicians clinic with a dreadful heart disease or a simple ingrown toenail, exactly what's the first thing he's going to say? Uh huh. Stop smoking. So, unlike various financial or political policy debates, the manmade global warming debate, and so on, the debate over cigarette smoking has actually long been decided. Smoking is bad. Reeeeally bad. So, as a pastor, no - not just as a minister, however as friend and/or relative of those who smoke, how can we help to motivate our friends to give it up?
The friends I've had who smoke typically had a wish to quit, but simply could not seem to make it. But, to stop you need to do a few things. Here are some proven suggestions to help.
Choose. Draw a line in the sand and do it. Period. I don't mean abrupt withdrawal, however, determine that it WILL HAPPEN.
Partner with an additional smoker that wants to quit. This is a terrific way to do it. You have an edge when you start with an accountability companion that is going through the same things you are.
Get help from your medical professional. There are a heck of a lot of people (oops, another pastor curse word) who have actually been successful battling the nicotine desires by using meds like Zyban or Wellbutrin, which is basically the very same thing.
If you start the journey to quit then slip and smoke, don't hammer on yourself. Just get back at it. If your target is to be free from the habit in 2 months, and it takes you six months - there you are! Aren't you still a success?
You can do it. Get help from good friends. Get help from your medical professional, and you may obtain motivation from individuals like me. Don't allow smoking cigarettes to continue to hurt you. You're worth too much to us all! You're worth too much to your maker! You can most definitely do this!
Choose. Team up with a friend if possible. Get help and even an appropriate drug from your Health care professional. And..Get right back 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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