I AM SECOND

It’s not often that you find a movement whose purpose is to convince others to get over themselves. In a way, this is what I AM SECOND is all about. But don’t worry; they’re a little deeper than that.

I AM SECOND is a project set up by Norm Miller and the e3 Partners ministry to help people find their purpose in life by discovering that there is only one purpose, His purpose. If you have a look at the I AM SECOND website you’ll find videos of people from all walks of life, including some very recognisable personalities, who have tried to go it alone and failed. Something has since changed for them, life is on the up and they now consider themselves as “Second”.

“What the Heck? Why would I want to come second?” You may mutter at the monitor.

Let me explain.

On the weekend a guest preacher at my church rocked the boat a little (in good nature of course) by exclaiming;

“get over yourselves, stop dreaming and wake up. I’m tired of preachers telling us to reach for our dreams. There’s only one dream that counts, His dream”.

I thought it was great! As the crowd all chuckled quite appreciatively, so did everyone else I think (Perhaps we were actually all secretly disguising our inner offense). Of course we are meant to “Dream Big” and “Reach for the Stars”. (I’ve got that scene from Space Jam going in my head right now where young Michael goes for the backyard slam dunk! “I believe I can Fly. I believe I can touch the sky!”) But what this preacher guy was driving at was really important. The Western culture I belong to is excellent at encouraging the younger generation to chase greatness and be “the best that they can be” and I believe that this aligns itself with the word of God. God is definitely not into mediocrity (Something about being spewed out of His mouth and stuff), but there is something that needs to be behind our drive to “Conquer the World”. Jesus says to “Seek First the Kingdom of God” and not be selfish in our ambitions for life. Why does he tell us to do this? Apart from that it sounding really cool in ancient Hebrew, He says this because when we put God’s plan first, we actually are operating in the perfect plan for our own individual lives.

Based on the presumption that we are all created by God (I’m guessing most of you are with me on that one); we are also all created for a specific God given purpose. So walking in the purpose we are created for is the best thing we could possibly be doing. It’s the whole “a-Ferrari-is-created-to-go-fast-so-trying-to-be-a-people-mover-is-just-selling-itself-short” situation.

That’s where the I AM SECOND project is coming from. The people behind the movement and in the films get it. They see that putting themselves first is just ultimately setting themselves up for a loss.

The films themselves share the stories and struggles of those they feature and look to give “hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled.” The films messages are certainly strengthened by the exceptional quality and creativity of the filming and production. The most powerful element of the films, I believe, is the fact that in no way at all do you feel preached at. When watching the films you are simply being invited to hear someone’s life story, for which there is opportunity to see Christ as the answer. So for those of us looking for good quality material to share with friends that will point to Jesus, these films tick all the boxes.

Another great part of what I AM SECOND offers is an actual chat-style service for people who would like to discuss the elements and struggles highlighted in the film they may have just watched. As an extension of the ministry they provide for direction and inspiration, this personal connection goes a long way.

We’ve been using I AM SECOND films for some time over here at yesHEis, so if you have been around for a while you have probably seen a few. If you haven’t, or would like to see even more, head over to I AM SECOND and be inspired. And remember that yesHEis.com is filled with these types of videos so that you can be equipped to share your faith and the hope of Christ with your friends online.

So what does “being Second” mean to you? Share your thoughts below.

I AM SECOND interview with Brian “Head” Welch, ex-member of KORN.

Here are a few more of the I AM SECOND videos.

• Actor Stephen Baldwins Story
• Hip Hop Artist Lecraes Story
• American Idol Musician Jason Castros Story