Humanity has never witnessed the prosperity we have today. We live longer and healthier but unexpectedly, we are not happier.
The 2015 Intergenerational report states our grandparents born mostly between World War 1 and World War II can only imagine our present day prosperity and privileges. By 2055, life expectancy of an Australian baby will be 95! As the baby boomers retire* we expect the greatest transfer of wealth in human history to our generation – the Gen X and the Millennials**. Medical research, improved healthcare and diet, a strong middle class and robust welfare system mean diseases and conditions that would kill 100 years ago can be easily managed today. Some of those diseases are already history: Smallpox has been extinct before many of us were born and polio is just about to suffer the same fate. Little wonder global population grew by about 5 billion last century. We have increased by over a billion since 2000!
However, the Millennials are not happy. There is dissatisfaction in our lives. Suicide is the highest cause of death amongst us. Our successes are becoming our bane. We have abused our environment and privileges. We have more obese people in our country than those suffering from malnourishment. Many walk from the stability and affection of their homes and families into seclusion, substance abuse and extremism. Our man-made successes have brought problems our grandparents cannot also fathom. We are in some wasteland of our own making.
Today we seek an Oasis in our desert. A meadow of hope in the wasteland. A lighthouse at the harbour.
Mankind has found out wealth, health, long life, technology and fame are all mirage. Our desires for them are never ending. Nevertheless, the Oasis to satisfy our thirst is not elusive.
Jesus said ‘Anyone that thirst, let him come unto me and drink. For he that believes in me, out of him shall flow rivers of living waters”.
Jesus does not represent religion, which Millennials run from today. Just like you he had problems with the religious establishment of his days. Jesus is the “Way, the Truth and the Life”, the answer to the vacuum the mirage cannot fill in us. He is the Oasis in our desert.
