Above the Sun: God’s light does not change like shifting shadows

by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 7, 2021 

            I wish I could take credit for the title of this article. After all, I am experienced in crafting what I hope are compelling sentences. But for me, I think the writer, James, rivals King David and Solomon here when he says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

The exact wording changes, depending on which version of the Bible you are using, but the message and the beautiful imagery remain the same. It may sound like I am a little obsessed with this verse. But in a time when there seems to be so much uncertainty, it is such a relief to know that God does not change, and neither does our mission as followers of Christ.

It is a little too cold right now to go outside and sit under a shade tree, but that doesn’t stop me from using my imagination. It is a nice thought, but even a good shade tree is not perfect. Every so many minutes, you have to move your chair if you want to stay in the shade. Why? Because our light source as well as our earth are always moving. The sun and earth, just like everything else, are created things subject to change. However, God is not a created thing. The writer of Hebrews says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Here is a quote from Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642):

“The Sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent upon it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.”

God always has time for us. He is a perfectly constant God, even though it is impossible for us, His children, to be this way.  That does not, however, prevent us from partnering with the Father of heavenly lights in the way we treat and reach out to others. The phrase “good and perfect gift” in James 1:17 is also translated to include “gift or act of giving.” James wanted to acknowledge that every good thing we have is because of God, the maker of light, and who is light, with or without the sun.

In our efforts to follow Christ’s example, the gifts we give to others may fall short, but our acts of giving have more to do with our attitude and our daily approach to life.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

The writer of 1 John 1:5-9 tells us that walking in God’s light is where we can find forgiveness and salvation. As Christians, we can not only walk in the light, but we can be a light to help bring lost souls to Christ.  Have a great week.

Above the Sun: Walk in the light, be a light

by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 31, 2021 

            When I show up somewhere and see my parents there, I know I am in the right place. The world just seems brighter. They are without a doubt a significant lighthouse in my life. I am sure you can think of people you feel this same way about. You are comforted and have peace in their presence.

            In the Bible, light is used to symbolize God and his guidance, faith, and holiness. As Christians, we are called to not only walk in the light, but to be a light for others.

            There is a very short verse in the longest chapter in the Bible that gives us a good starting point. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

            How many of us can say that every word coming from our mouth helps show people the right way to go. The writer here uses these very descriptive thoughts to celebrate God’s instruction as the perfect guide for life.

            In John 1:4 says, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” This description of Jesus should give those of us who strive to walk with him an extra boost of confidence. Everything about Jesus’ life points us in the right direction because his life here on earth actually doubled as a light for our journey. Not once did he ever shine his light in a direction that would not be good for us. We are to be this kind of light for others.

            In the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), we read about miracle after miracle that Jesus performed in the presence of his disciples and in front of people who hated him. He changed water into wine at a wedding, He healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years. He cast out demons, restored sight to the blind, and raised the dead.  He literally did more miracles than could be written down in the Bible.

            These are examples of Jesus’ life serving as light during his ministry of just three and a half years as he combined love, truth, and miracles to get people’s attention. Jesus told his disciples that they/we would do even greater things since he would soon be going back to the Father in heaven (ref: John 14:12).

 That’s where we come in. Obviously, Jesus did not mean that we would be able to create a greater universe than he did, or even be able to perform a simple miracle. But in the 2000 years since Jesus was on earth, his followers have not only had the benefit of walking in the light, but have reflected the light, love, and truth of Christ, giving hope to millions upon millions of lost souls.

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”  In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine.”

            Doesn’t it just make you feel good that the Light of Life himself has confidence in us, that we are capable of taking his light to wherever it needs to shine?  Have a great week!

Above the Sun: Decision-Making Principles: Is it constructive and beneficial?

by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 24, 2021 

So, what does it matter if your decisions are based on whether it is constructive and beneficial? The short answer? Christians should never seek to tear anyone down, but instead find ways to build up.

That was Paul’s message to Christians in Corinth. “23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).

O, if this world could only apply this message. Paul is saying people have the freedom and are permitted to do a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean all those things are constructive or even a good idea at all. Just because something is legal doesn’t mean Christians or anyone else should do it. I am sure you can think of a lot of things that fit into that category.

As Christians, we are called to make good use of our time and conduct ourselves in ways that will draw others into the household of faith where there is a life in Christ worth celebrating. The Bible is full of passages that instruct us to make sure the choices we make “build up.” This starts with simply making the choice to show up and participate. In other words, God wants us to spend time with other Christians, both inside and outside of worship. This building up we receive from each other helps keep us from swerving onto the wrong road in our faith journey.

 “23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God” (Hebrews 10:23-27).

Next, our thoughts, words, and actions should be well thought out and have a noble and worthwhile purpose.

            “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up” (1 Cor 14:26, Ephesians 4:11-16).

            This is a great reminder for when we want things done our way, either in worship settings or in daily life. We have to ask ourselves if what we are wanting to do builds up others too, or just ourselves. This becomes especially important when dealing with those whose faith is weak or non-existent, or maybe they are a new brother or sister in Christ.

            “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.  Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself…” (Romans 15:1-11)

            God bless you and have a great week!   

Above the Sun: Decision-Making Principles: Will It Cause You to Do Evil Things?

by Barrett Vanlandingham
January 17, 2021 

So, what does it matter if your decisions are based on whether it causes you to do evil things? The short answer? It is only when you are walking in the light that you have fellowship with God (1 John 1:7).

To me, John’s answer is the bottom line, because if walking in God’s light gives us a relationship with Him, the opposite of that is also true. So, if we choose to walk in darkness where evil exists and has free reign of influence over us, that puts us out of fellowship with God and our church family which is a really bad and risky place to be. As John continues with the idea of walking in God’s light, he says God’s light is where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. The word “all” includes past, present, and future sins that we are willing to repent or turn from as we strive to commit to doing life God’s way.

An equally strong God-inspired message comes from the pen of Paul. His letter to early Christians in Ephesus applies to us today. It gives practical advice on how to remain in the light that John wrote about, and away from dark influences that could alter your behavior in favor of evil.

“8 For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:8-11).

Paul’s message here is clear. Learn to identify righteousness, goodness, and truth, in other words, things that are at home in the light of God. These are tools Christians can use to decide if our words and actions represent light or dark. Paul’s letter indicates it is not good enough to just stay away from darkness. Part of walking in the light also means labeling or exposing evil. What friend would avoid a dangerous situation and then not notify others about such a threat?

If your decision is likely to cause either you or someone else to sin or veer into the realm of evil, then it would be wise to re-think your decision. This is true whether it impacts words that come out of your mouth, or actions you may be considering, or even the things you allow to take up space in your mind.

In this lifetime, we will never be able to describe ourselves as perfect since we are human. But in Romans 2:6, Matthew 25:26-30, 2 Corinthians 5:10, and 1 Corinthians 4:5 we find plenty of motivation for choosing righteousness over evil and wickedness. In the end, nothing is hidden from God. He knows completely our thoughts and motives, and will expose and judge them accordingly.

Have a great week!