The life, principles, and outlook in life of somebody who is learned of God’s word are very much different from those who are deprived of it.
Life is meant by the Giver for us to use in worthy and profitable good.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Even the qualities of our person were given to be beneficial to others, not only for our own interests.
1 Corinthians 4:7
For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Even the fruits of our toils must benefit others.
Ephesians 4:28
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Our bodies and faculties must be used by us as instruments of God’s righteousness.
Romans 6:13
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
There are those who destroy their bodies instead. A Christian is willed by God to be in health so that he can willfully and courageously utilize his body in his service to others.
III John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Smoking is detrimental, not only to the body, but, also to the mind. It will not relieve depression in the long run, but aggravate it. A recent study states that:
“Long-term tobacco use associated with dulled thinking and lower IQ, study finds ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Smokers often say that smoking a cigarette helps them concentrate and feel more alert. But years of tobacco use may have the opposite effect, dimming the speed and accuracy of a person’s thinking ability and bringing down their IQ, according to a new study led by University of Michigan researchers.” (Source: EurekaAlert.org)
A healthy mind needs a healthy body — and vice versa. Depression weakens the immune system, which will make you prone to a number of debilitating diseases. You must discover, within yourself, the cure for your depression. Financial difficulties and other family problems are not enough reasons to be depressed. As I have said earlier, a Christian’s outlook in life is very much different from those who are not knowledgeable of God’s word. The secret in fighting depression is to be content in whatever situation we are in.
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The secret is, if we are content because of our trust in what God can do for us in hard situations in life, we will merit His mercy and His loving-kindness.
I can understand your situation because I was also once a chain-smoker; but having understood in an instance that I am destroying my body which I need to serve my God and my people, I, without hesitation and reservation, threw the last pack of cigarettes and my ‘Zippo’ lighter at the Pasig River as I passed by Quezon bridge in Quiapo, Manila; and promised my Creator that I will never again smoke. That was twenty long years ago.
Galatians 1:16
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood…
God is always watching and waiting patiently for us to realize our mistakes and misdeeds and He is always ready with open arms to receive us and put us under His loving care and guidance.
Malachi 3:7
Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts…
Renewal cannot be achieved without God’s intervention.
Jeremiah 10:23
O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
God is greater than all your problems and miseries. I ask you to trust Him and try His ways, and you will never regret considering all the words of God you have read in this article.
1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.