In the primitive existentialism of the material world, nature has in one way or the other made provisions for the ease of every object or creature that finds itself in its confines. It seeks to ensure that each one is surviving within its jurisdictions adequately without any interference or other external occurrences. Mankind from time immemorial has also yearned for an atmosphere in which it would be able to carry out its day-to-day activities so to speak to fulfill its purposes in their lives at the end of each day. In order to carry out such life processes, nature in its unique ways in creating a serene environment, makes it possible for mankind to chance on what may be termed as Liberty or Freedom. From the onset of our birth, nature has paved the way for us to be prone to this free gift that helps us to carry on with our ambitions in life.

Edmund Burke a noble American once said, “But what is Liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils, for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint”. This seeks to draw our attention to the very fact that though mankind is at liberty to do whatsoever we desire to do, such Will power, if not carefully looked at, and treated as it may be supposed to be, would tend to cause havoc and put our lives in an amorphous state.

The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17.  Also in 1 Corinthians 8:9, we are spoken to that “but take care that this liberty of yours does not become a stumbling block to the weak”.  Scriptures draw our attention plainly to the fact that God has given us liberty or free will to do whatever we desire to do but even with such freedom, He relayed the negatives that are accompanied with them if care is not taken and always encourages us to do that which is beneficial. Free will, if not catered for efficiently may, cause us death and serve as a stumbling block to others and ourselves.

Dear reader, you would bear with me for a fact that in our era of modernization and people yearning so had to work within their liberty have found themselves abusing this free will that they are exposed to and have indulged in illicit and immoral conducts that have become a hindrance to them doing the main purpose of which they were brought on the surface of this earth. That is to say, to fear and obey the commands of God our creator as made clear to us in Ecclesiastes 12:13. Mankind has made the idea of modernization imbibe in their minds and this immoral behavior has become a deity onto them that is what they are so much interested hence the title the modern gods. We shall consider three of these modern gods and appreciate what the scriptures have to say about them.

A pertinent act that has become a modern god in our era is fornication. Youth of today have entangled themselves in this illicit practice. They tend to give in their time, energy, and abilities to this immoral activity. Lay in bed with every person but  The word of God admonishes us on this immoral act; in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 the scriptures say, “for this is the will of God for your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.” Our bodies are the temple of God so if we indulge in acts of fornication, we destroy its place of abode 1 Corinthians 6:19. Having noticed this the scriptures also encourages us to flee sexual sins, learn to control ourselves, and present our bodies to us living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God. 1 corinthians 6:18, Romans 12:1,2 Peter 1:5-7.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits” Proverbs 18:21 “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with its deeds, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to him the image of the One who created him.” Colossians 3:9-10. Freedom has made people become soo much entitled in this modern age that we tend to change our tongues when and how we want just so to please ourselves. In the two texts above, scriptures admonish us about this god-like behavior. Our greatest adversary used lies to cause condemnation to our first earthly parents leading to their out thrown from their Edenic home John 8:44.We are to notice that whoever lies or spills deceit shall find themselves in the ever blazing fire filled up with brimstone for the old serpent and his people Revelations 21:8, Proverbs 19:9. Truth by its very nature always hurt but we should all odds seek to speak the truth at all times as it going to help us in every aspect of our lives and most especially throughout our Christian Journey.

Beloved reader, the last but not least of these modern gods that are leading mankind to eternal damnation is the act of  Gambling. Society today has made the act of gambling to regarded as a normal act. We should notice carefully that the act of gambling is not wrong because of the risk factor associated with it. It is not right because we do not find a bible text that states plainly “Thou shall not gamble”.But it is wrong because it violates biblical principles and neither is it wrong because society says so. Gambling could be defined as an activity in which you risk money in the hope of winning more money if you are lucky or you guess something correctly according to Macmillan Dictionary. There are many factors that lead people, most especially the youth in indulging in such illicit acts. Out of covetousness or greed, selfishness, and interest in worldly things and for excitement’s sake they do so. But the passages in the scriptures through inferences draw our attention to these factors as seen in Luke 12:15 Ephesians 5:3, Galatians 6:10, and 1 Corinthians 10:24.It may look appealing to you but if you indulge in it, its adverse consequences may not be escaped. Gambling may be addictive, ruin content, promote hatred, and violates the golden rule as stated in Matthew 7:12. The bible, the authentic word of God admonishes us to work hard through the right means to achieve riches and the Lord shall reward us Colossians 3:17 and Ephesians 4:28.The act of gambling is a  big No for the child of God.

Cherished one of the Lord, as we strive so hard in achieving the crown of salvation when our pilgrim life is over, let us be watchful of how we make use of the freedom we have and be able to use that liberty to place ourselves in a way that we may be able to overcome the Modern gods of this age. When Christ Jesus told his apostles that He had overcome the world, He meant it. Therefore we should surrender our all in all as he is the reigning Lord of our lives Let us continue to give heed to studying the word of God and look ever to Jesus Christ only, the author and perfector of our faith .

God bless you and continue to live under his auspices. Peace be unto you.