What are Secondary things? Maybe we start by asking what are primary things? The first commandment from the Bible is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) That is true and good, but we are social beings and most of us are meant to live in society surrounded and involved in everyday life of family and work. This in turn necessitates dealing with people and money. (I am clumping most of the living we do into people and money, knowing full well the sub-sets are innumerable.)
People and money are arguably secondary things. The second commandment is to “love our neighbor as ourselves,” and money is one of the most talked about topics in the word of God. Both get messy at times.
So are secondary things bad? Not if we are told to love people and God gives us lots of wise counsel on how to manage money and property. At the same time, these secondary things can sap our time, talents and energy if we are not careful. If we give “too much” then we no longer have what we need to take care of ourselves. In turn we may find ourselves unable to function well in much of anything…primary or secondary! How much is too much?
The Word admonishes us to rest. It also promises us if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [food, drink, clothing, all we need to live] will be added to us. (Matt 6:33)
Navigating life to keep God central without forgetting to enjoy life is a challenge, one I seek His face for every day. Every person is different with unique choices each day. No two days present exactly the same challenges and choices even when we have stable rhythms, routines and character defects. I believe the tension invites us in to a dynamic, intimate relationship with the one who made and sustains us.
It has never been about religion. It has always been about relationship.
Do we always get it right? No. But I hope we grow in intimacy each day as we dialogue with our maker, receiving the freely given wisdom that flows from the Throne of Grace.
Abba, In you we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) I ask you to show us how the the whole of life is integrated. In your view the primary, of loving you with everything we have and are, and the secondary things of life, everything that makes our lives capable of bringing you glory, are not really ranked in opposition. Help us to be increasingly attentive to You throughout each day in new ways and to be aware of the flow of your guidance. Thank you for giving us life, with all its challenges. Touch those places in us that hurt from ‘messing up’ and from others ‘messing up’ on us. Thank you for giving us grace to let go and keep moving. Amen
