VT is a magazine for your generation. Its purpose is to positively present to you explanations of the true values of life—the reason you are here on earth at this time. We want to give you the actual understanding of what is to come and how you can mature as tomorrow's leaders.

Vertical Thought isn't afraid to talk about God. True faith is strength. We live in a twisted, troubled world that possesses very little core belief beyond "self." VT challenges you to get out of life's rut, out of the "pit of despair," to think in a whole new direction. It's in our name.

In the spring of 2003 the United Church of God was ready to launch a magazine designed for you. But what name would capture attention quickly in these fast-paced times? 

As a pastor in the Pacific Northwest I hosted a young adult's Bible class and engaged those fine young minds in the name search. We brainstormed over 30 possibilities—some serious, some humorous.

"How about 'Vertical Thought'?" asked Hansel New. Fresh and unique—no one, so far as we could discern, had ever used it, and it made the cut.

But before giving their approval, the Church's 12-member Council of Elders asked: Why "vertical thought"? To some it sounded like a psychology magazine.

Our editor asked me to provide the answer.

"Vertical" is popular and describes anything that goes up—defies gravity—like snowboard jumps or a basketball player's vertical jump. To climb a rock face or climbing gym wall, you must go vertical. It's a practical descriptor regularly and creatively used to mean "up."

Since "thought" automatically makes you think, or at least think about thinking, then "vertical thought" means thinking upward—toward God. (See Colossians 3:1-2).

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

We want God's ways to be our ways and His thoughts ours. We want and, deep inside, long for "vertical thoughts."

With that explanation, our Council understood the relationship of the two words and balloted unanimously to approve Vertical Thought as the name for the magazine. The rest is now almost eight years of exciting and inspiring history.

This world is not a happy or a safe place—just watch a little of the news about the revolutions in North Africa and the Middle East, or about earthquakes and dire economic problems of nations, states and provinces. Consider the eroding of morality around you—the weakening of Bible-defined marriage, the breakdown of family connections, the despair and emptiness of your peers. Our sad, old earth appears to have a penchant for anti-vertical thinking.

All people, you and I included, need solutions to these troubles. This planet needs a lot of vertical thoughts—it needs to look up to the true God of the Bible in word and action. And it will—when Jesus Christ returns to set the world right and establish what He calls the Kingdom of God. That's the good news Jesus personally offers you and me. And that's the vertical thinking that we'll deliver in Vertical Thought for the next eight years and beyond! 

Keep thinking vertically, and invite others to do the same!