How should a Christian view smoking?

[robertcolumbia]

Obviously, we should treat smokers with charity, but how do y'all see the practice in terms of church discipline and proper Christian behavior?

In my area very few Evangelical Christians seem to smoke. In my congregation, the rate, as far as I can tell, is 0.0%.

The general viewpoint on this board seems to be that alcohol, although legal to use, is wrong for a Christian, and that illegal drugs are wrong for a Christian both because of the damage that they can do as well as their illegality (being subject to the governing authorities etc.)

Is a person who claims to follow Christ, but smokes, in sin? How would your fellowship/congregation treat this? Is it an excommunicable offense or something that can otherwise lead to Church discipline?

I invite good faith viewpoints from all.

[michelle]

I have no verses or anything, just personal experience to answer your question with.

I was a smoker when I got saved. The Lord convicted me that it was sinful and that I needed to stop. Through His grace I did.

[Brother Ben]

I think it's a bad testimony, but so is a bad attittude. I don't see it as a excommunication issue. I smoked as a new believer until the Lord helped me quit. I would be concerned about the attitude of the smoker. Is he trying to quit? Does he see it as a problem? Is he/she willing to be held accountable? These would be good ways to approach it.