The September/ October 2009 edition of AARP Magazine had an article entitled “The Sunshine Vitamin.” They’re referring, of course, to Vitamin D. Research has shown that this common vitamin pays big dividends in human health.

Harvard researchers, for example, found that of the 18,000 men they’ve been tracking since 1993, those with higher levels of Vitamin D were least likely to have heart attacks. Other studies have shown that abundant amounts of this vitamin have positive benefits for “the risk of colorectal cancer, hip fractures and tooth loss.”

As we learn these benefits, however, the trend of Americans is to get less Vitamin D than before. The most common source of this nutrient is exposure to sunlight. We spend far more time indoors than did our ancestors. Combine that fact with warnings about overexposure to the sun and it’s no wonder that many get too little sunshine. Just 10 to 15 minutes exposure to sunlight a few times each week would do wonders for our physical health.

Exposure to light is also important for our souls. John’s introduction of Jesus includes these intriguing words: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:4, NKJV). One would think that the dawning of such powerful and pure light would be welcomed by all.

But some prefer not to expose themselves to the light Jesus gives:

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:19,20).

Good spiritual health depends on regular exposure to this Son-light. Paul said as much in Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

Let’s take a moment to reflect: Do we come to the light regularly? Or are there other activities we enjoy more? What does that say about our soul’s condition?

“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6,7).

Just 10 to 15 minutes of exposure a few times each week.

by Tim Hall