Have been studying for a while, the problem is is that I smoke. I have tried to give it up many times, but have been unable. Will this keep from being able to be baptized, and/or a full member of the church. This question is for Jehovah's Witnesses. Come on people be kind, and not rude. We are all people who are looking to find our way.
2006-09-05 08:09:32 · 14 answers · asked by Me 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am glad to see you acknowledge that you have a problem with smoking. My mom went though the same thing you are. She smoked for 16 years and was studying with the Witnesses too. She wanted to be baptized also, so she prayed to Jehovah about her desire to quit such a terrible habit and it worked. She was able to quit within a very short time and was baptized soon afterwards. Pray to Jehovah for his spirit to help you. I am a Witness but I never had that habit to contend with.
I see many people answering your question are trying to discourage you. If you have been studying awhile then you know that we expect negative comments. Jesus said that if they persecuted him, they would persecute us also. When I read so many hateful things about our faith, it only renews my conviction that we have the truth.
2006-09-05 08:55:52 · answer #1 · answered by Micah 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Being hooked up in smoking means you have an addiction. There are a lot of articles in the Watchtower and Awake that can help you to overcome smoking. For any kind of addiction here are some Bible principles that you can use to help.
1. You cannot have a feeling (emotion) without first having experienced a thought. Make your mind over - Romans 12:2
2. Pray - Psalm 139:23, 24
3. Think of chaste things - Phil 4:8-9
4. Mat 5:30 - get rid of the thought of smoking from your mind as soon as you think about it
5. pray to Jehovah for his holy spirit, asking him to remove the bad thoughts, emotions, feelings from within you.
6. Get the help of close friends, relatives , love ones to monitor, help and encourage you. Be honest
7. Bad associations spoil useful habits, don't go to places wherein you know you'll smoke. don't join smokers (Prov 4:14-15)
8. Appreciate the sacrifice Jesus and Jehovah have done for you (John 3:16)
9. Study & apply the Bible in your life everyday.
10. Know the love of Christ that excels/surpasses knowledge (Eph 3:13)
Others, there are some patches for smokers to help them quit.
There's a lot but I hope this helps.
JW brother
2006-09-05 18:38:06 · answer #2 · answered by trustdell1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Throw away the smokes, but don't replace them with any Awakes or Watchtowers.
The witnesses' reasons on having you quit smoking is a reason filled with a double standard at best. If they were really serious about not having "defilements of the flesh that disrespect life", they would allow you to get a blood transfusion rather than die.
Quitting smoking or at least reducing it as much as possible is the best thing you can do. I only smoke about a heater per month or so, and that's only when I have a few days that I don't exercize.
But quitting it just because some group that tries to socially pressure you into quitting is wrong, because you're not quitting for all the right reasons.
Yes, smoking will keep you from getting baptized. So will reading objectivley critical material about the religion.
I'll PM you more about this subject.
2006-09-05 15:25:09 · answer #3 · answered by enigma_frozen 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
My dad got baptized anyway...after a week of throwing tables and chairs at us. Then he went back to smoking in secret and hardly attending the meetings. Now he never does and has emphysema, and none of us would get baptized or believe his religion.
I think from when I was studying, and from common sense, I'd say you need to give up smoking first. How can you commit yourself to God if you are not taking care of the body he gave you, and how can you commit to a religion with that rule about no smoking...if you're still smoking.
Good luck with whatever you decide. I'll be honest and say I hope you don't become a JW, but that you do find God and that you do quit smoking. Sorry I was rather biased.
2006-09-05 15:14:51 · answer #4 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
my late husband smoked many years. he loved Jehovah so much that he went cold turkey and always always prayed to Jehovah for help to help him quit. and he did. because of Jehovah helping him stop smoking I know there is a God. I love Jehovah and Jesus Christ his son with all my heart and soul. there are many watchtowers about smoking that can help you. many of the brothers and sisters smoked before and they also can help you. also go to the website. www.watchtower.org. don't let anyone talk down about Jehovah or Jesus Christ. we are not a cult
2006-09-05 20:20:40 · answer #5 · answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I'd do some serious investigating on the JW's before joining... check out some of the ex-JW groups online and read up on the history from an OBJECTIVE source, not from the JW's themselves.
That's not a group I'd encourage you to join at all...
2006-09-05 15:17:12 · answer #6 · answered by itslarue 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The only JW I ever knew smoked. He also sold drugs, forged stuff and lied like a rug though, so maybe he isn't the best example.
Bright blessings on your Path!
2006-09-05 15:12:50 · answer #7 · answered by ZombieTrix 2012 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Information on the cult of Jehovas witness
please read.
http://www.reachingcatholics.org/cult-cult.html
2006-09-05 15:17:14 · answer #8 · answered by admyr75 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
DON'T DO IT!!!!
Research the religion origins first. There are public records on this group where the founder even confesses that the whole organization was a scam.
2006-09-05 15:13:40 · answer #9 · answered by MD 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
if your looking for the true way you better keep looking because the jw isn't it.and I'm not being mean .i don't like to see any one being deceived.look at this if your allow tohttp://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/false_religions.htm#jw
False Religions EXPOSED!
2006-09-05 15:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by bassetluv 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋