Vertical Thought

Vertical Thought was published from 2003 to 2013 by the United Church of God. It was created to give relevant content to help young people ages 12-22 discover and live God's way of life. 

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The Heart of a King

People are easily impressed by the way someone looks, but real leadership comes from what's inside a person—from the heart. Consider the shepherd who became king David.
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Molding Your Personality for Leadership

Have you ever considered what personality type is best for leaders? More importantly, what can you do about yours to become a more effective leader?
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Are You Lurking or Living?

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." — Henry David Thoreau, Walden
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Noah: A True Nonconformist

Many people identify with bucking the crowd and being one's own person, but how can we know when that's what we should do? here's an example of someone who was a nonconformist for the right reason.
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The Abortion Controversy

What are the facts about abortion? Is it really murder? What does the Bible say?
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It Does Matter Who Your Friends Are

The Bible tells us that we get to decide whether we'll walk with the wise or flounder with fools. Which will you choose?
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Join the Few, the Called, the Chosen

The great moral code of the universe reveals that God is preparing His team for leadership of the world. Here's how to be part of the team.
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Are You a Leader?

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."—John Quincy Adams
Magazine Issue

Vertical Thought: July - September 2005

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Encouraging Words

It is entirely in our control, yet one of the hardest things to control. It has the power to uplift and encourage—or destroy and damage. And we use it every day of our lives in everything we do. How can...
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Just What Do You Mean FUN

I just want to have fun! It can't be wrong, if it feels so right. So if it feels good, do it. Right? Wrong. Here’s why.
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What Do You Believe?

How serious are you about your beliefs? Are they really convictions or simply preferences? Do you truly own your beliefs or are you simply going along with others?
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May the Real Force Be With You

The Star Wars series of movies captivated millions of viewers. Some of the principles have spiritual significance. Here are some important comparisons.
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How to Be a Godly Woman

It isn't easy to be a godly person in an ungodly world, but the effort is well worth our trouble. Here are some principles to help young women do just that.
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In the Eye of the Storm

Florida experienced four hurricanes last year that wrought much destruction throughout the state. Here is a firsthand account by someone who weathered Hurricane Frances.
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The Welcome Guest

Do you know what to do when you stay at someone's home? Read this article for tips on how to make sure your host will want to invite you to come again.
A young woman eating a healthy looking sandwich,
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Eating Choices: Does God Care

Vertical Thought discusses God's involvement in our eating habits with Hope Egan, author of Holy Cow! Does God Care About What We Eat? In her book, Ms. Egan invites readers to look at their eating habits by examining the meat-related...
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Descriptions of Some Popular Worldviews

From Christian Theism to Postmodernism, here are descriptions of some worldviews you'll come across in life.
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How do You Think?

Our heartfelt emotions are an important part of being human, but these feelings are incomplete as a method of making judgements when not guided by godly principles.
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Do You Choose Happiness?

"You can't roller-skate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to." lines from old songs sometimes sound out-of-date, but the imagery is interesting. Can we really be happy if we want to?