“Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Shifting shadows. Those words took on new meaning for me yesterday. I’ve been memorizing and meditating on James 1:17 all week as part of our Memorize Scripture, a 52-week study in Scripture memorization and meditation. Here, I will look at what James 1:17 means and why James describes God as One who does not change like shifting shadows.
Each time I read the verse, my eyes lingered on the words: “shifting shadows.” God does not change like shifting shadows. That makes sense. But why did James choose that analogy? And why place it immediately after his warning about sin and deception? Surely there is a connection.
Well, I found the answer in the mystery of the winter sun.
What Does James 1:17 Mean? Every Good and Perfect Gift
Just a few verses before reminding his Jewish-Christian audience that “every good and perfect gift is from above,” James, the brother of Jesus, warned about temptation and sin. He urges them not to misunderstand trials and temptations. God does not—and cannot—tempt anyone to do evil. He reminded them not to blame God when their desires lead to sin and not to confuse temptation with God’s will.
James addresses something most of us have experienced at some point: confusion between our fleshly desires and God’s will for our lives.
He warns his audience not to be deceived (James 1:16).
We live in a fallen world. There are times when our desires masquerade as good, but if they are not God’s will, they are not the “good and perfect gifts” from above that James describes. That is where our discernment and God’s wisdom must intersect.
James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, and He will give generously if we ask in faith (James 1:5-6). Jesus echoes James’ sentiment that God is a good gift-giver, unlike flawed human givers. He says in Matthew 7:11:
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
James then shifts from what God gives to who God is.
Coming Down from the Father of the Heavenly Lights
James continues, saying that these gifts come down from the “Father of the heavenly lights,” a phrase that beautifully describes God as Creator. Genesis 1:14-16 tells us that God created the two great lights to govern day and night—the sun and the moon.
“God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars.”
I love how Moses, as almost an afterthought, ends verse 16 with “He also made the stars.”
God created these lights. He is not part of the world; He stands above it. He even transcends it. There is no one like Him. He is high and exalted (Isaiah 6:1), existing outside of space and time.
But the wonder of Scripture is this: the transcendent God, the Father of the heavenly lights, is Light Himself—in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Every good thing comes from Him.
James continues describing who God is. Not only is He the “Father of the Heavenly Lights,” but He also does not change like shifting shadows. That is where my story picks back up.
With Whom There Is No Variation or Shifting Shadow
Right now, as I am writing this, it is winter. I live in Oklahoma, so the only thing certain about Oklahoma weather is that it will change. Last week, the ponds were frozen, and this week I basked in 80-degree weather.
The winter sun has always intrigued me. Winter light differs noticeably from summer light. Lower in the winter sky, the sun traces a different path across the horizon, casting shadows throughout much of the day.
In contrast, the summer sun, higher in the sky, casts shorter shadows that last only briefly. Also, the angle of the winter sun filters out blue light, highlighting the more vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks, creating those spectacular winter sunsets.
As I was contemplating James 1:17, the winter sun, its shadows, and sunsets, I grew into a deeper understanding of why James used shadows in his imagery.
The sun and moon, created by God, rise and set, producing shifting light. Shadows exist because light moves. That light changes season by season. Created lights rise and set, shift position, and cast changing shadows.
But our God, He does not rise or set. He is not subject to what He created. He is immutable — meaning He never changes. His character never changes. His goodness never changes. He is not like the shifting shadows.
How To Apply James 1:17
Be discerning when something looks appealing.
Sometimes an opportunity presents itself that seems good — more money, more recognition, more influence. But if pursuing it requires you to compromise your integrity, neglect your responsibilities, or step outside of God’s commands, it is not a “good and perfect gift,” no matter how attractive it appears.
Temptation often disguises itself as a blessing.
When you are unsure, ask God or wisdom (James 1:5-6). Never blame Him for temptation. Because His character does not change, you can trust that what truly comes from Him will align with His character.
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