We live in a society of embarrassing riches. The fact is, we’ve never had it so good. Most of us have big houses, nice cars and trucks, good clothes and enough money to take a good holiday each year. So why do we have so many problems? In our region, drinking is at near record levels. Drunk driving offences are the highest in the province. And don’t get me started on the drugs our teenagers are taking. Even adults for that matter. Prescription drug abuse is a problem. Gambling? Record amounts of dough are being wagered at casinos. So, in a society of so much, why do we have so many problems? Where did it all go wrong? The last thing anyone wants to hear is that we’ve strayed away from our Christian beliefs. History seems to indicate otherwise, however. When people stray away from the church, problems arise. It’s a fact too many want to ignore. Today, the church and the state are battling each day. While the church preaches the sins of gambling and drinking, the state seems more than willing to licence more liquor stores and casinos, then sit back and watch the royalties flow in. Then they turn around and throw a few bucks back at agencies like AADAC - who do a terrific job despite tremendous odds — and tell us what a great job they’re doing. Then they take the rest of the money and build a few roads or hospitals and tell us what a really, really good job they’re doing. Most of what I’ve mentioned so far are material goods. There is a lot of truth to the old saying, “Money can’t buy happiness’. Zeke and Flo are sitting on the back porch in a rickety old log house in the back woods. Zeke scratches out a living on the farm while the wife raises the family. They’ve just enjoyed a supper of roast beef and biscuits with homemade apple pie for dessert. They’re watching their children play on the lawn. There are a few weeds but they’re having a great game of ball. Only the laughter breaks the serenity of the peaceful surroundings. And the sunset is picture perfect! Meanwhile, Trevor and Margaret have just finished a fabulous dinner on the eighth floor apartment building they rent. It was a tough day in the corporate world where they both rake in triple figure salaries. They ordered take-in. They’re a classic DINK (double income no kids) couple with money to burn. There are no children to enjoy watching. As for the sunset, another building is blocking the view. Another night of great TV viewing awaits their life. Zeke and Flo are happy. Trevor and Margaret will be getting a divorce soon. Money can’t buy everything. Money doesn’t guarantee a good time. Still, no one listens to the church, which struggles with poor attendance. The message of giving thanks when times are good is not getting through. The church continues to spread the Word. Trouble is, no one – especially the state - is listening. The state takes Christianity out of the schools and legislate more and more gambling and liquor. It has to end sometime. It has to end somewhere. The church, along with Zeke and Flo, will be ready. But will the state?

Copyright © 2002 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster