I moved to a new school in the sixth grade when I started middle school. It was the same school my big sister had attended for several years already, and the same school my younger sister would attend when I had graduated. This school helped shape me into who I am. The community I was surrounded by for seven years taught me who I wanted to be. They gave me guidelines and words of advice. They taught me daily, inside and outside the classroom. Of all things I learned, one thing stuck with me the most. We call it the Guard Charge. I call it words to live by.

Live Pure. Speak True. Right Wrong. Serve Others. Follow the King.

My headmaster used to tell us this story in chapel every year. He was a father to three boys, and he told us every night when he would tell them goodnight, he would repeat those words to his boys. As a middle schooler, I never remembered them. I honestly thought it was just a story he made up. As I grew older, I saw those words implemented in his boys. Those words also became implemented in me.

What does it mean to “Live Pure”?

To be pure means to be free of any contamination. This automatically means none of us are pure because we live in a contaminated world. This does not mean we can not try to live purely. You can watch who you surround yourself with. To live pure is to identify the temptations around you and to do your best to avoid them. To live pure is to try to live a life that mirrors Jesus, as well as any sinner can. To live pure is to be a light to those around you in this dark world. To live pure is be humble. To live pure is to fight the good fight for righteousness.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

- Proverbs 27:17

What does it mean to “Speak True”?

It can be thought of as it is said in the bible or in Jesus’ commandments, which is to speak words of truth, or not to lie. Which is extremely important, but another way to think of speaking true is through your actions. They do say your actions speak louder than your words. This means to be true to yourself. Know who you are. Find your identity in Christ. Then be that person, and do not stray from it.

“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart... Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”

- Psalms 15: 2-5

What does it mean to “Right Wrong”?

The word accountability comes to mind. To right wrong is to hold someone accountable for their actions. This is such a significant role in life that as Christians we sometimes forget the importance of. Whether you are holding your friends and family accountable, or simply yourself, it is not a role that can be overlooked. We all know right from wrong, but it is up to us what kind of standard you hold yourself to. The real challenge is to set a standard for yourself and find others to surround yourself with that do the same. Be someone that positively lifts those up around you instead of tearing them down.

“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

- James 5:19-20

What does it mean to “Serve Others”?

This should be the most simple task of The Guard Charge. This does not even have to be a thing that others are aware of. It can be as simple as praying for someone, or wishing them a kind word, or smiling at a stranger. Serving others is acting how Jesus acted toward everyone, even those that hated him. He exemplified kindness with every breath he took. Every action of his was to benefit others. I am not telling you this to encourage you to forget about your own self, but rather to remember you were called to serve a bigger purpose in this world than just your own.

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

- Galatians 5:13

What does it mean to “Follow the King”?

Here lies the most important challenge. If you take up any challenge, take up this one. Accept Jesus Christ as your savior. Do not look to others for help, but rather pray to Him. Pray often. We all mess up, we all have our faults, but sometimes we simply forget to ask for forgiveness. Go to church when you can. Learn more about Christianity. Find a community in Christ. Read your Bible. Be tolerant of others and their beliefs. Value what you have been blessed with. Live with a thankful heart. Exemplify him through your actions.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'

- Matthew 16:24

I do not think I could ever forget these words, but just as a reminder, I brought them to college with me. I have the painted on canvases that lie on a shelf behind my bed. Every day I look up and I see those words, and I am reminded of the love I have for the Lord, and just how much more he has for me.

“Do not let others looks down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”

- 1 Timothy 4:12