What do legalized recreational use of Marijuana, legalized sports betting, and wine sales in grocery stores have in common?  I believe there are several things. 

They are signs of the loosing of the basic moral values of many people.  In a society filled with drug addicts, alcoholics, and people addicted to gambling; it just adds fuel to the fire.  These are the basic sinful categories mentioned under the Biblical terms, “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-17).  These are identified with the sinful world and they “are not of the Father.” 

They are evidence that many of our “leaders” care about money not the people.  Does anyone really believe society benefits by adding more “addicts” to the list of those unable to function in society? Does anyone really think the lottery is good for the poor.  The best answer I have heard; and it is real pathetic is; “they would just spend it on cigarettes or beer anyway.”

Families all over our community are being destroyed by alcohol, drugs, and gambling addictions.  The mental health consequences of these things are enormous as well. It is time for those of us who profess Christ to stand up and be counted instead of just going along with the deception.  Alcohol, drugs, and gambling hurt families!  I would encourage you to go online to GOOGLE and read about addiction in the U.S. for 2017.