Let me encourage you to be ever prayerful about the moral decay that afflicts today’s society. Whether it be get-rich-quick scams, payday lenders, sex or gambling, we are bombarded daily with images and messages of instant gratification. I want to update you on some issues that continue to plague our state.
Joe MackWe must congratulate The State newspaper on the pieces they’ve run to educate the public on the usury of payday lenders, the pervasiveness of sexually-oriented businesses, and the Catawba tribe’s persistent bid for video gambling in South Carolina. Greed and self-absorption do not benefit any society. We need to stand together against businesses that pit family members against one another or take food out of the mouths of children.
Payday loans have been outlawed in North Carolina and Georgia. Last spring, Sen. Linda Short and Rep. Christopher Hart introduced bills to curtail the exorbitant interest rates that multiply when people fall prey to the incessant implied message of “get whatever you want now.” The payday loan business invades so many lives that several class action lawsuits have been filed. Pray that this legislation will move forward in January.
The next prayer item is the silent explosion in the number of sexually-oriented businesses in our state. Shops that sell overtly sexual objects and materials now openly flaunt their wares in huge display windows. Provocative mannequins defy you to look away. Strip clubs now boldly advertise appearances by porn stars and headline dancers. Crime is rampant in areas surrounding this type of business. Pray for the women who are degraded by this poor choice or life circumstance. Pray that the men will be ashamed of their involvement and be moved to repentance.
The final prayer need today involves the Catawba tribe and their dependency on gambling. The U.S. Supreme Court recently refused to hear a suit brought against the state by the tribe. The Catawba attorney said he will continue work to bring video gambling back to the state, even though there is no higher appeal. Pray that the new chief will look for an economic venue that doesn’t include gambling.
Diligence in prayer and action in the public square are the two things that can bring about a reversal in the moral decline of today’s society. I beg you to accept the responsibility to come before God on behalf of all those involved in these issues. Thank you for bearing this burden for our families and our children.