Healthy Living

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BRITISH INITIATIVE TO BAN SMOKING


The British Medical Association voted to support a motion to ban smoking for anyone born after 2000. It is expected to pressure lawmakers to follow suit. “Despite widespread bans on sales of cigarettes to kids, kids still try smoking cigarettes,” it was observed, “and some get hooked.” I am especially sensitive to the issue, since one of my siblings and perhaps two are thought to have died from their addiction.
As a matter of record, “rates declined steadily in the late 20th century as the health hazards became more widely understood.” This can be readily seen by comparing older films with more current ones. Given the risks associated with the smoking of pot, it may also decline after having taken a heavy toll. Meanwhile, we are left to take appropriate action.
All of which recalls John’s cordial greeting to his friend Gaius, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 2). So that his physical and spiritual condition might similarly benefit.
While of similar intent, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Tim. 4:8). There is something in common, the latter holds out greater promise.
Qualifications aside, if something promotes good health, pursue it. Likewise, if a threat to health do not as a rule participate in it. Which brings to mind the cynical observation, “The problem with common sense is that it is so uncommon.”
This still leaves to be considered what action should be taken with such troublesome issues. On the one hand, persons should as a rule be allowed to exercise their choice. On the other, it is sometimes curtailed out of concern for their welfare and/or that of society as a whole. Moreover, the call can be a difficult one.
What then is the range of social response to a given issue? In brief, it is as follows: (1) Disallow the practice. As is recommended by the British Medical Association as relates to youth. Thus serving as a caution to others.
(2) Discourage the practice. Assuredly by the way it is depicted in the media, providing information concerning its dangers, and with personal counsel. While as a cooperative effort, insofar as this is possible.
(3) Take a relatively neutral stance. While encouraging persons to consider the matter at greater length, whether for better or for worse.
(4) Encourage the practice. If not for the reason of health, then for some other rationale. While perhaps along with the subtle assumption that what is good for one is in some general sense good for all. Or to simply disregard what is at stake.
(5) Sponsor the practice. As with the state lottery, along with the rationale to provide funds for education. Regardless of its negative effects. So that one lottery official candidly observed that the practice appeals to the desperate and ignorant.
The suggestion of the British medical personnel blends together the initial two options, while allowing for a time of transition. Not that this is necessarily in keeping with the conditions that prevail. While serving as a reminder that the Christian should be willing to graphically swim against the current, if thought in the best interests of persons.
Moreover, this recalls the innovative approach of the then surgeon general C. Everett Koop in passing out lapel pins inscribed “SFS 2000", calling for a smoke-free society. One wonders how many lives this may have saved.
In conclusion, our attention is drawn to the character of sin, which is said to be any lack of conformity to God’s gracious will for our lives. In this regard, the Jewish writer Milton Steinberg observed: “Life is good. Wherefore a man should treasure it, not despise it; affirm and not deny it; have faith in it and never despise its possibilities. For behind it is God” (Basic Judaism, p. 59).
“Life is good and man can find it such,” he continues, “provided—and this is the great condition to everything else—that it is properly lived.” There is the rub!
Then, too, sin is pervasive. “For all have sinned,” the apostle Paul allows (Rom. 3:23). In addition, it consists of faults in commission and omission, and the latter often appears more reprehensible. So that we are left to make critical decisions, not only on our own behalf but in some instances as relates to others, while out a genuine concern for their welfare. Thus to affirm life, rather than depreciate it. May God grant us wisdom in this pursuit.

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