Lets Make a Positive Difference

We are the Youth and the future is in our hands. We shouldnt fear this prospect. To have something in your hands is to have power over it. And with power come opportunities and then responsibilities. We have the power to make the world a better place than it is now. And the world is not somewhere out there but in and around us. Our motto should be: Brighten the corner where you are! Since the world is an extension of ourselves why dont we polish ourselves in body and in spirit? Should we do this our relationship with others will be worthwhile and fulfilling for a better world. I believe to make a Positive Difference as my title suggests, we must learn to portray maturity in everything we do. Maturity means that one is ripe to take up a mantle of responsibility. Maturity means one can function in a worthwhile capacity and to the satisfaction of all. To attain maturity takes time and a lot of hard work. I want to enumerate some characteristics of a matured person to boost our aspirations.
1. A matured person knows who he is. He knows his weaknesses and

strengths. He is ready to admit his faults and neutralize his weaknesses. A matured person would rather build on his strengths than to go about worrying over his assumed weaknesses. He channels his energy into positive endeavours and therefore makes the world a better place for all.
2. A matured person is well aware that it is natures way to torture the

harmful and harmless alike. Therefore he wouldnt fault his creator for every predicament that comes his way. He will rather handle every challenge with the determination of an ant till he succeeds. And then also when something good happens he appreciates it for what it is showing gratitude to his benefactor.
3. A matured person feels responsible for his life. He takes decisions for

himself or herself. He doesnt permanently depend on what his bosses, teachers, parents or guardians would say whether good or bad. He knows in clear terms what he wants and goes for it. Being responsible for his life tells him he shouldnt take unnecessary risks that will shorten his life eventually. He doesnt abuse hard, drugs, alcohol, himself or others.
4. A matured person is not rebellious. He doesnt disregard traditions and

customs just for the sake of it. He has patience that would help him see the wisdom of these traditions and customs if really theres

wisdom in it. He is aware that theres no foolproof system of traditions or beliefs.

5. A matured person is dynamic. This means that he is tolerant to all

shades of opinions and ready to tap into them for their worth. However he adopts those shades of opinions he feels are right and are in line with his belief system. He looks to the past, to the present and to the future to make decisions. He doesnt shy away from seeking help from others who are better than him on a subject no matter their age, gender, race or class.
6. A matured person is sensitive to the world around him. Whenever hes

taking an action he knows there would be a reaction so he takes actions whose reactions he can contain. He knows when it is appropriate to follow through with a certain action and when its not. And to what extent he should indulge his desires. Moderation is the matured persons key word.
7. A matured person is consistent in doing whats right in the eyes of the

Lord. The Lord is his ultimate judge, not the world, not himself. A matured person does whats right whether there is another person looking on or not.
8. A matured person doesnt triumph over others failures but takes these

failures as his own and learns from them. And where it is possible, he helps others who have fallen to stand on their feet again. 9. Finally, a matured person loves correction, especially constructive ones. Therefore he stands by his belief and faith until theres a better one than what he has. He doesnt assume to be the depository of wisdom and knowledge. He submits to wisdom no matter where it is coming from. Traditions and fashion are not determining factors for him. Where the youth are ready to live in a matured way, the community will have more harmony and progress will come easily. For the youth is the life force of the machine called society, so the actions of the youth will affect the direction that the society will go. If you are a young man or woman, prepare to affect society positively. Brighten the corner where you are! Do something before thy light is dimmed! Etch your name in the annals of humanity! By L.N.T Annan, Apostolic Universal Church, P.O. Box GP17119, Accra.
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