The Bible Changes Lives - Continue

 HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE: For a long time, I had a feeling that the Bible was God's Word. And after reading the Bible study handbook I received, I was convinced that the Bible answered all the important questions in life. Still, it took me some time to change my habits. Eventually, I took to heart the Bible's counsel at 2 Corinthians 7:1 and made up my mind to cleanse myself of every defilement of flesh and spirit," which meant giving up marijuana and tobacco.

I was able to stop smoking marijuana almost immediately. But it took six long months to free myself from the tobacco habit. One day the witness conducting the Bible study with me asked, "What is the purpose of your life?" That really got me thinking about my addiction to tobacco. Several times I had tried to stop smoking. Now, though, I decided to pray before I reached for a cigarette rather than ask God for forgiveness afterward. In 1913, I set a date when I would quit. With Jehovah's help, I haven't touched a cigarette since.

HOW I HAVE BENEFITED: Now that I am free from the expensive and damaging addiction to marijuana and tobacco, my health has improved. Today, I have the privilege of being a volunteer worker at the Germany branch of Jehovah's Witnesses. I am so glad that I learned to apply the Bible's wisdom in my life! Knowing what the Bible teaches had given my life real purpose. 

Next time: The Bible Changes Lives - Continue

From the jw.org publications