“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
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A new report published by the Institute for Family Studies (IFS) revealed some very troubling realities for young men between the ages of 18 and 29. The report showed that many young men are imprisoned by gaming, gambling, and porn addictions. Brad Wilcox, professor of sociology at the University of Virginia, and a fellow at IFS summarized the findings this way: “We have a generation of young men trapped in the ‘addiction economy.’”
The numbers in the report are shocking, as they reveal that 23.3% gamble daily. That is nearly one out of every four young men. Over 25% use porn daily, which is one out of every four young men. Furthermore, one out of every eight young men gamble, game, and watch porn daily.
The report also revealed that ninety-five percent of young men play video games, seventy percent of young men watch pornography, and fifty-seven percent gamble. These numbers are absolutely frightening.
These young men are in their prime physical years. They could be getting married, having children, and growing in their walk with the Lord, but instead, they are wasting their times with things that will destroy them and their relationships with others.
Gambling destroys any prospect of financial stability which is necessary to support a family. Pornography destroys intimacy with others and turns humans into objects of pleasure. Video games, when abused, can create a false sense of accomplishment in their players that deters them from accomplishing anything in the real world. All three of these things have also been linked to negative mental health effects like suicidal ideation and depression.
The young men and anyone else addicted to these vices are prisoners, but thankfully, Jesus Christ died to set us free from sin. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians can live a life of freedom and fruitfulness for the Lord. May young men look to Jesus for the strength needed to combat the “addiction economy.”
LET US PRAY…
Father, please help young men to see the absolute waste of time, money, and energy that addiction to gambling, gaming, and porn causes. Lord, America desperately needs strong and courageous young men, and we pray that You will open the eyes of these young men to see the great difference that their lives can make when used honorably. Father, we praise You for Jesus’ death that frees us from the prison of sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.