One afternoon, during one of my journeys home, I heard someone call my name. I looked around to see Debbie and Todd, two kids from school, hanging out at a park across the street. I noticed right away that they were smoking cigarettes. Debbie motioned for me to come over.

At first I stood and chatted with them, feeling at ease with the situation. But then the inevitable occurred. Debbie offered me a cigarette. “No, thanks,” I said. I should have stopped right there, but I felt a need to continue. “It’s not like I’ve never tried them before; I just don’t feel like it right now.”

That was a lie! I had never smoked before, but I wasn’t going to risk my status to admit it. Debbie and Todd were part of the “in” crowd at school. I didn’t want to leave them with the impression that I was still a child or a Goody Two-shoes. I took the safe route.

When the conversation ended and I turned to leave, the guilt set in. I felt foolish and awkward. Why couldn’t I have just said, “No, thank you” and let it drop? I wondered. Why did I have to tell a big lie?

Although I sought immediate forgiveness from God, it took a lot longer to confess to Debbie. I finally mustered up the courage at a party years later (using a humorous approach), but by then, Debbie didn’t even remember the incident! Well, at least my conscience was cleared.

Plan Ahead
When I look back on that day at the park, I realize I was completely taken off guard when the cigarette was offered to me. I spoke without having time to think about my words beforehand; I felt backed into a corner. Have you ever been in a similar situation? How did you react? I think it’s important to make decisions and rehearse your answers before those moments arise. For example, the Bible says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). It also says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

Based on those verses, you can make up your own mind to say no to fruitless activities like smoking and to be careful whom you hang out with. Then you won’t be tempted to compromise your beliefs or to be dishonest like I was.

People respect those who can say, “No, thanks!” and stand by their convictions. It displays confidence! It also sets an example for others who aren’t as strong spiritually.

There’s a person in the Bible who certainly wasn’t afraid to speak his mind: the apostle Paul! In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, he says, “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.”

If you’re already experimenting with cigarettes, drugs or alcohol, then ask God to help you stop. If you haven’t started, don’t! Above all, never be afraid to reveal your standards to others. There’s nothing like the feeling that comes from showing respect for yourself and honoring God at the same time.