"A Life Well Lived"

Pastor Laura Guy

May 17, 2009

Here's an instant replay of what happened in worship:

We thought about the way many high school yearbooks list the people who were voted "most likely to succeed" - as if you could tell by looking at someone who is 18 years old what he/she will accomplish in life. Our culture tells us that you must be beautiful, wealthy and powerful to succeed. But God does not look at us, or success, the way society does.
We heard the story of the anointing of David in 1 Sam 16:1-13. In his culture, David was considered a poor choice for future success. He was the youngest of seven brothers. His father didn't even think to include him when he was told to bring his sons for a special feast. But God saw David's heart and knew that David was the best choice to be king.
We recognized that God has a purpose for our lives, too. It doesn't matter if the world thinks we have what it takes to "succeed". A truly successful life is not one where we acquire more than others; it is one where we give away more than others.
We heard the lyrics to Bob Dylan's song, "Gotta Serve Somebody." The song reminds us that gaining wealth and power is just an illusion. In the end, all of us will serve something - either God or greed. A well-lived life is one in which God is at the center, helping us live into our purpose.
We remembered that 18-30 year olds are called the missing generation in American churches. Yet most of us "old folks" would tell our graduates that it was during those years when they needed God most. Pastor Laura told the graduates - find a church, go every Sunday, give yourself away. That is a life well-lived.
We prayed for God's help to live a life full of purpose.
We celebrated communion around the table of love.