I’m Third

Hi everyone and happy summer! This week, I head back to my favorite place and home away from home: Kanakuk. If you’ve read about our story, you know that Kanakuk Kamps has a very special place in my heart and this nonprofit would not be possible without it. Kanakuk teaches the I’m Third lifestyle (God First, Others Second, I’m Third) and has encouraged me to start my “I’m Third story.” The Lord recently put it on my heart to share what I’m Third means to me. I pray that this blog post encourages you to start or continue your own “I’m Third story.”

God First.

The Lord calls us to put our faith in Him before anything else in this world. There are a lot of tempting things that the world puts in front of us, and it’s so easy to idolize what it has to offer. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Similarly, Colossians 3:2 (NIV) says “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” God calls us to give Him and the cross our full attention and put our identity in Christ.

Others Second.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2: 3-4 (NIV)

Jesus didn’t come to be served, He came to serve (Matthew 20:28). He wants the same for us! This can look many ways, but essentially we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus and serve others.

I’m Third.

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12: 28-31 (NIV)

This is the Greatest Commandment that Jesus gave to us. In a world that is constantly changing and stresses the importance of living for yourself, this can seem very difficult to do. I believe that starting our day in the Word and asking God to show us how to love others better are two simple ways to start the journey towards living the I’m Third lifestyle. My life is forever changed because of it!

CLICK HERE to learn more about Kanakuk and the I’m Third Story!!