The greatest want of the world is the want of men and women of character, prepared and trained to lead by exemplary lives, growing by learning and application and ready to use their gifts to impact and bless their fellow human being. Men and women with personal encounter with God and value integrity and practice it passionately. Men of justice ready to effect positive changes in our world. But these men cannot be, without a “pre-era” that is, youthful period. God loves young people. Achievers have once been young. When God wanted to give a saviour to the world, He gave a baby in a manger.
The focus of the world today is clearly on the youth. These are possessors of potentials needed for tomorrow’s exploration. Youth are the leaders of tomorrow and the most energetic and vibrant component of any population. Youth is mankind’s morning, the blossoming of its flowers; the dew on the blade of its grass. Youth is beauty. Youth is innocent. Youth is mankind at its pristine, unspoiled best. What joy! What beauty! All clothe in the purity of the heart. Youth is the torch that guides mankind in its journey through the tunnel of life from one generation to another. Youth is nature’s assurance of eternity – without prejudice to what the guardians of the soul may decree; youth is the link between today and tomorrow. Indeed, youth is tomorrow. Youth is the age without care and without responsibilities; the time approved by nature itself for everyone to sow bushels of wild oats.
“Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shall say, I have no pleasure in them;” Ecc 12: 1
According to Robert Brownie, “Youth is the only time to discover and decide on a great course in life. Manhood, success; follow next.” But it’s unfortunate that many miss the compass of their lives at youthful age.
As youth, build capacity in these areas:
Personal Development- The only way things are going to change for you is when you change. Change means growth. Growth happens through personal development. Work hard on yourself than you do on your job. Read books, attend seminars, and study people on your field.
Health and Happiness- Your health is your wealth. What are you doing to prevent sickness and diseases? Avoid drugs, drunkenness, ungodly behavior that could impede your health and happiness. Happiness keeps you open to new opportunity. Choose to be happy and excited always.
Building Strong Relationship- There is more to relationship than to get from it. Your life will be better for it. Youth are always faced with the challenges from pleasure and pressure. Relationships could either make you or mar you. Build healthy relationships. Who are your friends?
Time Management- We all have 24hrs daily. If you don’t plan your day, someone else will plan it for you. What should be important to you are things that align with your purpose and values in life. Most times will pay attend to urgent things? The most important things are the things you should give attention to.
Goal Setting- Set goals higher than your personal ability and build capacity to achieve them. What do you want to achieve with your time and life. Write down your short and long term goals. Stay open to God with your goals.
Learning Skill- formal education will give you a living, self-education will make you a fortune; open yourself to new ideas from others through their books and materials.
Develop leadership skill, communication skill, financial skill and learn money language. Find people (mentors) that could guide and support you on your way to success and achievement of your goals. Live a life that will impact and influence others to a life of integrity. Pay the price for excellent life. What is inside you determine what will happen outside you. Take care of what is inside you.
“Whatever affect one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King
YOUTH, IT IS YOUR TURN TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD!
