Never believe that you can’t be close to God just because you smoke, drink, take pills, over eat, or have any other habit, enjoyment, or addiction that the church world has condemned. God does not look at any of these things as sin unless it separates you from God in your own heart and mind. It is often preached that these are big moral sins, but God sees all sin as equal. I have had plenty of spiritual and personal growth moments being stoned or buzzed, and my husband loves God dearly, is always talking on Christian principles and usually has a cigar hanging out his mouth. Our fellowship is the same either way. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. For example, there is a scripture about not being drunk on too much wine all the time. This is a just measuring stick to keep in balance our so called vices. I feel comfortable in indulgences as long as they are in balance with my lifestyle, and of course not hurting myself or others. It is human to desire these consumptions, and God knows this. God knows where a person is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.God loves us all the same. 

It is micromanaging someone’s faith to place blame or accusations on an individual that cause rejection, worry, or separation from God. When people tried to hurt others by placing Christianity in a box, Jesus does preach that better they be drowned then to cause someone else to stumble, or that if anyone is without sin, cast the first stone, or that who are we to judge someone else’s servant? We as Christians need to be a friend to others and ourselves. Jesus, the Messiah came in order to fulfill the law and replace the traditions and rules in the church world with the embrace of forgiveness and personal fellowship with God.

If of course, there is a struggle with any type of addiction, it is good to seek out a friend and get help. This is love, even if its hard to intervene or support a family member or friends during their recovery. Most the time though concerning substances, people are just socializing and having fun. Living a surrendered Christian life is not based on superficiality. It is based on sharing a relationship with God. God is consent and faithful to all people everywhere in every culture, not preoccupied with mere trifles of drink, smoke, pills, or food. There is a blanket approach by God throughout his word to be a good stewards to our bodies and live a peaceful life.