Editor’s Note: This column was originally published Nov. 22, 1951 by Clark Potts, Optimist Reporter, Columnist 1951-1952

How many of us on the “Hill” have considered just how much even our smallest actions reflect on the name of our school and the Church?

A School can do a great deal of good and never receive any publicity, but let one bad thing pop up, and it is immediately news. Such is the use of tobacco by students here on campus.

Smoke Obscures Vision

A person driving by our campus does not see the studying going on in the dorms or classrooms, but the students lined up across the street with “cancer sticks” in their mouths. Later, someone asks him, “What did you think of ACC?”

“Why I could not see anything for the smoke,” he answers.

Of course this is an exaggeration, but seriously, can we as Christians – supposedly following in the path of the Lord – use tobacco?

In Romans 12:1, we are commanded, and I quote, “I beseech ye therefore brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” How many of us can argue that smoking purifies the body? On the contrary, its use in any form is filthy, and offensive to those around you who do not use it. Do you think that the Lord would enjoy smelling stale cigarette smoke on your breath when He comes again to the earth?

Body is Temple of Spirit

Aside from its filthiness, let’s look at the physical side of the question. Almost any doctor will tell you that the use of cigarettes will undermine your health and break down your body. We know that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and though we would be quite angry if someone started to tear up our church building, which is the work of man, we sit by in quiet acquiescence while our members destroy the true dwelling place of the Lord that is our bodies.

Not Impossible To Quit

We often hear smokers say that “once you start smoking it is impossible to stop.” I challenge that statement. I know several people who have quit smoking, and in every case their health has improved greatly. However, there can be no “tapering off.” Each one of these people has said to many of us can argue that smokers must not touch one no matter how much you may want it, because if you fall once it’s even harder to keep from taking the next one, and soon you’ll be right back where you started.

Christians Are Examples

We are, as Christians, living examples of the life of Christ. The word example, in my mind, means to endeavor to be exactly like someone, and I can’t imagine Christ smoking a cigarette or chewing tobacco. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” (Rom. 14:23) and no one can say they use tobacco by faith.

Since a Christian cannot continue in sin and have a promise of everlasting life, I take the position that a Christian cannot continue using tobacco and have a promise of everlasting life.

I don’t know what you may believe, individually, but as for me, I don’t believe the few moments of doubtful pleasure (?) on Earth in smoking cigarettes is worth spending an eternity in Hell.

– B.N.