A Life Worth Living: Part 1

There are diverse perspectives on what defines a well-lived life today. The values and priorities of individuals may vary widely, yet some common themes and characteristics surface among different generations in America. 

Common values among those under 40 include work-life balance, meaningful work, experiences over possessions, and social and a desire to impact the world positively. Companies have been marketing and posturing to these values for years now. People want fair trade, shade-grown, environmentally sustainably sourced coffee. People are willing to pay a little extra for a bottle of water from a company committed to building well in third-world communities. 

Another prevalent value is personal fulfillment. People want to live a meaningful life and often go out of their way to ensure others know it. This has been labeled narcithropy (narcissistic + philanthropic). Narcithropist's desire to do good, to feel good, and to look good. Regardless of their generation, everyone wants to be successful, financially stable, and enjoy their life. 

In Luke 12:12-23, Jesus shares a powerful parable about a successful farmer. If the farmer lived today, he would be a successful entrepreneur and featured on the Fortune 500 list. After achieving great success he suddenly dies and Jesus asks, "What will happen to his stuff now?" By worldly measurements, the farmer was brilliant and successful, but he made two false assumptions about life. 

Though a person may have good values and priorities, Jesus reveals there is only one value that ultimately matters.