GOD IS LIGHT

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5)

Devotion 10 of 22

NO DARKNESS IN HIM

There is no darkness in God--that is the express statement of Scripture. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). James adds this word, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17).

As Light itself, and the Source of all light, there can be no declination or retrogression in Him--no variableness, inconsistencies, or deficiencies. Men all possess defects. God does not. Not a "shade" of these uncomely traits exist in the Living God!

The implications of this obvious conclusion, however, have escaped the multitudes. Legion is the name of those that have sought "fulfillment" outside of the Lord. There are professional musicians who have exercised their abilities outside of the spiritual realm in order to "find fulfillment." Others, with inclinations to precision and exactness, have chosen to be technical devotees rather than immerse themselves in the Lord, His Word, and His work.

Why do such conditions exist? Why are churches empty Sunday nights, while the theaters and arenas are full? Why do churches pamper the appetites of those they seek to enlist by offering entertainment and other matters less honorable and glorious than the Lord? It is because God is not perceived as all-sufficient. Men go down to Egypt for help because they do not think it can be found in God (Isa 31:1). Humanity perceives Him as having some darkness, some shadow--some deficiency and inadequacy! They cannot believe they can be brought to the highest in Jesus Christ-- "complete in Him" (Col 2:10). But they are wrong, and these are serious misconceptions! "In Him is no darkness AT ALL!"

There is one thing those that indulge fleshly appetites have in common. Drunkards, drug addicts, adulterers, fornicators and sodomites, together with the covetous, have utterly failed to apprehend God. They do not perceive Him as all-satisfying, and thorough in provision. They have sought for solace in the arms of another, and for fulfillment in the indulgence of their appetites. By so doing, they have spurned the loving call of God!

To such individuals we do NOT offer a method of discipline to help them overcome their habits. We offer them a satisfying God that "is Light," and "dwells in the light." There are things a bottle, a needle, and fleshly indulgence cannot mollify. But there is nothing God cannot address thoroughly, satisfactory, and abundantly! Also, in His mercy, He has provided lawful outlets for legitimate fleshly appetites. But these provisions are never meant to take the place of Him.

In my opinion, this is an area in which the contemporary church has miserably failed. This is the root of all attempts to compromise the Gospel's approach to people. When God is NOT perceived as totally without darkness, shadow, or inadequacy in any form, alternatives and supplements to His Person will be offered to those with need.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for Your marvelous sufficiency in all things. Through Jesus Christ, I confess I find great joy in depending wholly upon You.

-- Tomorrow: ILLUMINATION --