While leading a middle school ministry in my local church several years ago, I was praying for vision for the upcoming season. As I continued to pray and process what students were experiencing and what I was hearing in their prayer requests, the vision became clear: Endeavor to live & inspire the “I Am Third” lifestyle.

God first, others second, self third.

The Holy Spirit reminded me of the challenges students face and how those challenges are amplified or made more difficult when something or someone besides God is at the center of their lives. Isn’t that true for all of us? Our struggles often increase when we are focused on solutions outside of God or his will for our life.

The greatest commandment to love God first isn’t because HE has an ego problem-its because we are naturally prone to self focus and lose sight of him so easily.

God lovingly commands us to worship him ONLY because HE is the only one capable of receiving worship and not be destroyed by it. When humans are worshiped, it leads to idolatry and destruction for both the worshiper and the worshiped.

As a student ministry, we began to dream about our middle school community living the“I Am Third” lifestyle and imagining if we ALL did that-being third would be so rich with the Lord leading us to follow him and care for one another.

I’m still dreaming and reminding myself daily to live “I Am Third” as I enjoy life in Kansas City, Missouri, with my husband and our Australian Shepherd, Solo. We love spending time with family in KC and Dallas or traveling together on outdoor adventures around the country! If you happen to be in town, you’ll probably run into us at a coffee shop, art museum, park, or local restaurant. And if the Chiefs are playing football, we’ll text you back later!