Year's theme is purity of thought

Ideas take root in the mind. The thoughts that we have determine the path our lives take if, in fact, we choose to act on those thoughts. In a world where the mind is constantly being fed immorality and materialism primarily through the media, our generation has to wonder if we are challenging ourselves to set our thinking to a higher standard.

This year, at Faith Christian High School, the student council's goal is to do just that. Specifically, we are challenging the student body to not only think with a pure mind but to act with a pure heart.

Over the course of the summer, the student council members gathered to determine a theme for the high school. In an effort to build upon past themes — such as "commitment to spiritual integrity" and "living a set-apart life" — student council members announced this school year's theme to the students on Monday, the first day of school.

The idea, the council explained to a waiting audience, was to encourage students to consider the thoughts, images and words they are bombarded with on a daily basis. Their challenge had them reflecting on the purity of their thoughts and the actions that are a result of their thinking.

Focusing on a specific Bible verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, the student leaders introduced the topic. The verse, which says: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity," gave their peers pause for reflection.

During the school year, this theme will be an important subject as students learn to apply purity to their thinking and their life. Speakers and pastors who are invited to speak at weekly chapels will often choose to incorporate our school's theme into their messages.

In addition to Friday chapels, the annual all-school, three-day retreat will be centered on the importance of pursuing purity, and, as a result, living a life of example to others. The retreat, which is a time of fun, bonding and encouraging messages, opens doors for students to talk about their values and morals.

"I think there's a need for all teenagers to be able to talk about purity," said Josh Khela, FCHS senior and student body rally commissioner. "Some teenagers are afraid to bring it up."

Although the task appears challenging, student council members are hopeful that, through encouragement and positive role models in school, students will want to challenge themselves to live a life of pure thoughts and actions.

Just as the student council introduced the theme for the year, I would like to challenge readers to reflect on this famous quote: "Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character."

Courtney Taylor is a junior at Faith Christian High School. Her column appears every sixth week in Education.