This is a great question. Why should you not vape?

First of all, we need to know what vaping is: 

“Vaping refers to the use of an electronic device that heats a liquid turning it into an aerosol (vapour) which the user inhales.” What is vaping? | Vaping Facts Just reading this definition begs the question, ‘but why?’

It was first invented as a potential alternative to traditional smoking, in the middle of the 19th century, but it only really became popular at the beginning of this century. 

Originally it was designed as a nicotine replacement method for those wishing to give up smoking. For many people, it did help them to stop smoking tobacco, but they then found they were addicted to vaping – some people continue to vape nicotine.

Ultimately, as a young person, you are in control of your own body and many of your own decisions, so no one can really stop you from doing things. Your parents may discourage you, or even (rightly so) discipline you if you try things you shouldn’t. 

As you get older, this becomes less appropriate because you are on a journey to being an adult and by the time you are 18 you can make your own decisions about these matters. But let’s just say that you are under aged now, and your friends are encouraging you to vape. You’ve found this article because you genuinely want to research the pros and cons of vaping for yourself. In that case, well done. Well done for taking the time to think carefully about these matters. It is important that any decision you make is an informed one, and you’re doing that. Even if you have already tried it, you are still doing the right thing right now by investigating the facts. If you just stumbled into this blog, then keep reading as you still need to be informed.

Let’s boil this down to two main factors: 1) social and 2) health. The reasons you may want to vape is because your friends are doing it. It is a ‘social thing’ – you want to fit in, to belong. Fair enough. On the other hand, you may appreciate that it comes with health risks, and so that is why you are stopping to think about it. I will explore both of these aspects with you now:

It is basic human psychology (the way our mind works) to want to belong; to fit in; to be accepted; to be part of ‘a pack’. It is a need we have – well, most of us. It runs so deep that you can see it when one person yawns, the next person does too. We are connected just by being with each other. This is a biblical truth: “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18-24), so we are hard wired to look for companionship, and to connect and belong. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil…” (Ecclesiastes 4:So, it is only logical that when you see your friends vaping, you feel you should too. Like when you were little and your friend picked up a toy, and suddenly you wanted that same toy (even though there were a few to choose from). 

I’m unpacking this here now as it is important you understand that what you are experiencing is normal behaviour. It is not your fault that you are surrounded by social pressure to vape. I even noticed it in a film at the cinema recently – the main character was vaping and it reminded me of when I was younger and everyone smoked cigarettes. That was then banned and we no longer saw this in adverts and films. It seems that vaping is the new smoking. Anyway, the point is – you want to vape. Fair enough. Makes sense.

Before you decide, however, it is important that you consider the disadvantages to vaping. Why would you not vape? That’s why you are here after all.

TRUTH: You need your lungs. Your lungs are the organ in your body which sole purpose is to ensure you can breathe. No breath, no life. The bible says that God created the earth and everything on it when he breathed. So breath comes from God and is God. His name is Yahweh. We breathe in: ‘yaaaah’; we breathe out: ‘weeehhh’. Whether we know it or not, our breath is our life in more ways than one.
When we were being ‘knitted together’ in our mother’s womb, God formed our lungs. When you study the way lungs are designed they are so intricate and purposeful. They take the shape of an upside-down tree. Have a look at this diagram:

At the very end of the branches are tiny air sacs filled with little hairs called Villie. When we breathe anything into our lungs that is not air, it is not good for these tiny hairs. They work together to clean out our lungs; moving along particles of dust and mucus to keep our lungs clean and able to get the most amount of oxygen absorbed into our bloodstream. So, when plumes of smoke or vape fumes come wafting into this space, they leave a sticky coating of chemicals. The hot vapour actually kills the tiny little hairs, so they can no longer work to clean out your lungs. Over time, nasty things build up and gradually your lungs stop working to full capacity. You can see that it’s a double whammy – the cleaning system is down, and there are dirty fumes coming in thick and fast… a recipe for disaster.

The main issue with vaping is that it is addictive: it quickly becomes a habit that we find difficult to stop. Before you know it, months and years have passed and you are still vaping. All the while, your lungs have become more and more clogged up. The very organ that was designed to provide your body with the oxygen it needs to function fully is being smothered with toxic waste. You are effectively poisoning your own body:

So overall, dear one, although you may think you are ‘being cool’, you are actually making yourself properly sick. Simple truth is: you can choose to, or you can choose not to, but the best way is to be wise and choose not to. Funny thing is that the more people who stand up for the truth and say no, the less people will see vaping as a good thing to do. Be bold. Stand firm. Jesus walks with you and He will honour you for honouring your body. 

Just say no.

…and also, say this prayer:

Father God, thank you for my lungs, my breath, and for giving me life.

Thank you that you knitted me together in my mother’s womb and called me by name before time began. 

Jesus thank you for dying on the cross so I can be free. I receive this freedom now with humble gratitude. 

Holy Spirit, I ask that you come and fortify me so I can stand firm. Please grace me with your wisdom and discernment so that I can see the schemes of the enemy, and pray against them. I claim that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and I will not fall into temptation. I declare that I am a child of the most high God and my body is a temple to The Holy Spirit, so I will walk out boldly into my day knowing that I am surrounded by His almighty angels and filled with His Holy Spirit, and I am free by the blood of Jesus.

Amen!

God bless you sweet child. May you know always that you are loved beyond measure.