There was a time in our society when smoking was portrayed as the cool thing to do. Characters like the Marlboro Man and Joe Camel depicted smoking as socially acceptable, even harmless. Evidence of the harmful effects of smoking led to a better understanding of the dangers of smoking, and eventually a shift in public perception. While still common, it is not nearly as popular as it once was. Every pack of cigarettes now contains an explicit warning label about the dangers of smoking to your health. 

The next generation of Americans is currently being bombarded by an entirely new temptation: vaping. Even though smoking continues to decline in popularity, vaping is picking up where smoking left off. Vaping, or inhaling vapors from an e-cigarette, is often marketed as an alternative to smoking. These products often have catchy names such as e-juice or pods. One brand, Juul, has achieved such a popular status that “Juuling” is now a verb used by people to represent vaping, regardless of the brand. Vaping is designed to appeal to young people through things such as a sleek look (some e-cigarettes can pass for a USB drive) or flavors that taste like candy.

Evidence now shows that not only does vaping have its own set of harmful side effects, including dangers from inhaling secondhand vapors, but usage among teenagers is increasing at an alarming rate (see sidebar). The pressure to try vaping is something young people who desire to follow God’s way of life are not immune to. When faced with the temptation of vaping, here are some things to consider as you talk to your parents, your friends at church or peers at school:

Realize the health dangers associated with vaping, particularly for young people

Although e-cigarettes are marketed to consumers as a safe alternative to cigarettes, there is still significant risk, particularly for young people. Last December, the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Jerome Adams, issued the following advisory: “I am officially declaring e-cigarette use [vaping] among youth an epidemic in the United States.” According to a September 12, 2019 article on CNN.com, six people have already died from lung-related illnesses due to vaping.

Even though vaping does not produce actual smoke, possible harmful effects include exposure to the addictive properties of nicotine as well as cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful, ultra-fine particles that can be inhaled into the lungs. As if that isn’t enough, the potential for chest pain or difficulty breathing, severe diarrhea, tooth loss and lung disease poses a very real threat to the longterm health of vapers. A YaleMedicine.org article dated Sept. 7, 2019 reports there is significant concern that vaping during teenage years will increase the chances that teens will take up smoking later in life. Contrary to popular opinion, vaping is a dangerous habit to start!

Vaping is illegal for anyone under 18

Being an outlaw has always been part of the mystique associated with smoking cigarettes. Movies depicting characters who are rebellious will often portray them with a cigarette to enhance the image. However, vaping is still a violation of the federal law for people under the age of 18. In addition to the legal consequences, breaking the law of the land is also an act of rebellion toward God. Romans 13:1-2 (New Living Translation) reminds us, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.”

Talk to your parents about the real temptation for young people to vape

In a recent UYC camp survey, respondents said that vaping is the number one pressure facing young people today. Your parents are probably very familiar with the temptation to smoke, as it was much more common when they were your age. However, they may not be as familiar with vaping since it can often be hidden, and does not carry the same stigma as smoking does. Help them understand that the pressure you face today is similar to what they faced as a teen!

One camper said that 90% of her classmates in high school had tried vaping. “It’s just everywhere at school. Students keep it in their backpack and the teachers don’t even know it’s there,” she said. It can be difficult to say no in the face of peer pressure. Talk to your parents or your local minister if you are feeling this pressure.

Believe that God desires for something better for His people

God’s plan for mankind involves teaching us to make decisions that are healthy for our minds and bodies. The Bible says that our “body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Making good decisions about how we treat our bodies is not only healthy, but it pleases God.

In 3 John 2, we read, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” Believing that God wants you to make healthy choices will encourage you as you stand out. Look for ways to connect with friends who feel the same way. It is more important to please God than to fit in with the wrong crowd.

Be prepared to respond when someone asks you if you want to vape

Say no. Temptation is unfortunately part of life in today’s world. To resist, you need to have a plan for how you will respond. If someone asks you if you would like to vape, a simple but firm “no” is a good answer.

Talk about why you say no. If they ask why you don’t want to try vaping, be prepared to give an answer. You may have a chance to educate others in your peer group about the dangers of vaping or to even talk about God’s way of life!

Report it. Intense pressure from someone asking you to vape should be reported to your parents or school authorities.

Pray for protection, wisdom and the right words to say

Vaping is the latest trend in unhealthy behaviors. Standing firm in your beliefs can make you seem like the odd person out, but God will come to the aid of those who seek Him and His ways. Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

By standing firm, you are not only doing the right thing, you are being a leader to others around you who may have difficulty resisting the temptation to vape. You can successfully do this by going to God in prayer, and asking Him to help you to respond wisely when you are faced with vaping or any other temptation that comes your way!