WHEN VAPING WAS RISING...

Back in 2023, a student was caught in possession of an e-cigarette. She defended that most of her friends smoked it and she followed. She knew it was wrong as the vaporizer contained nicotine. On the other hand, she felt no harm in puffing it. I noticed there was a rising number of confiscated vaporizers in class. Some school staff recommended putting up signages along toilets and bus stops around school premises. At that time the authorities adopted a wait-and-see approach as e-cigarettes were not classified as a tobacco product. The number of vape users grew exponentially as conventional smokers also switched over to using vapes, especially among the teenagers. This is because of trendiness, no age restrictions, and its sweet fragrance. Some sources of such influences are:

1. Social Media

Social media is one of the main causes of the widespread promotion of vaping. Harms of vaping are downplayed while false claims that vapes contain low concentrations of nicotine are not addictive are hyped up. Satan can use social media to shape our perceptions toward evil by rationalizing the supposed benefits of vaping over its true destruction. 

…thinks no evil… – 1 Corinthians 13:5

When my judgement is impaired by social media, it will lead to wrong conclusions. I must be able to discern it: is it right, or is it wrong?

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. - Proverbs 4:23

2. Friends

The circle of friends we often associate with may exert a strong influence over us (Proverbs 18:24). Before the ban, vape users faced no serious penalty. First-time users often tried it out of curiosity or by the persuasion of cliques. A common phrase people like to use is that “moderation is alright, but not excessive use”.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

We have to be careful as social media and friends sometimes can offer the wrong advice. Our Bible is a lamp to our feet. It provides the objective truth and contains wisdom. It provides instruction that we have to live soberly (Titus 2:12) without intoxication. In an account in Acts 13:45-46, our Lord’s Word was also being challenged by the Jews. Judaizers tried to bind circumcision on Gentile Christians causing contradictions similar to twisting the consequences of vaping.

The harm of vaping is an objective truth. Objective truth is not relative to space and time nor people. Objective truth can neither be shaken by social media nor friends. Ways of helping us to discern the truth: 

1. Hold Fast in Truth

In John 18:28–38, when Jesus Christ was put on trial, He told Pilate that His kingdom was made of people who listened to His voice, and His voice was the truth. Living in this world, we are guided by His gospel. His words are the ultimate truth and timeless; they will endure forever. On the other hand, Satan and his agent can twist God’s words.

 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter – Isaiah 5:20

2. Equip with Truth

Putting on the loins of truth and stand firm and to speak boldly. Let our voices be God’s instrument against Satan- Ephesians 6:14–20.

Eventually, there was a complete ban in 2025 of vapes after it was found that they were being laced with drugs. I am glad the government adopted a harsh approach thereafter. The episode on vaping is one of the avenues that Satan used to make man lose self-control. We must live soberly and guard our hearts in our Christian walk.

Ask Yourself:

1. Which verse records the serpent twisted God’s word in the Garden of Eden?

2. Name some biblical characters who turned to wrong advice.

3. What are the pros and cons of using social media?

Suggested Answers:

1. Genesis 3:4

2. Lot, Jehoshaphat, Jonadab

3. You may discuss it with your class teachers.