HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY

Dearly Beloved, HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV). In 1987, World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) to be observed every year on May 31 around the world intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption across the globe. Furthermore, the day is intended to draw global attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects, which currently lead to 5.4 million deaths worldwide annually. Since 1988, the day has been observed every year with different themes. The theme for this year was “Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship”. Recently, I watched a documentary on a national network television programme on adverse effects of smoking cigarette in particular and using tobacco in general to human beings. These effects were analyzed in the documentary, then some people, especially those that have the smoking habit, were interviewed. One of the people admitted that smoking is not good, and that he has been trying to stop the habit, but he cannot stop it because he has been addicted to it. Another person was indifferent to the adverse effects. To him, something will eventually kill one, so what is the big deal in warning people against smoking cigarette or using tobacco? It is interesting that some people even argue that smoking cigarette or using tobacco is not condemned in the Bible, so, it is never a sin to smoke cigarette or use tobacco! Well, it is a fact that the Bible does not expressly condemn smoking cigarette or using tobacco, but it teaches how to take care of our body which belongs to God. If smoking cigarette and using tobacco are dangerous to one’s body, why knowing destroying that body that really belongs to God? If one does not like oneself or cares about what happens to one’s body, why not honor God who really owns the body? Honor God with your body! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for all that have been addicted to smoking cigarette or using tobacco that they will conscious make efforts to forsake the habit.