"You are like light.." Matthew 5:14-16 (GNT)

These are the words of Jesus, “You are like light for the whole world.” He is making a broad statement that we have an effect that will influence the entire world.  

The Greek word used to describe the world here is “cosmos,” cosmos represents any aggregate or general collection of particulars regarding the created order of the world or universe.  One primary example would be the worldly affairs of the inhabitants of the earth, i.e., men, and the human family. We are adornments of grace demonstrating the spiritual order, as opposed to the natural order.

The natural order of the world does not disappear just because we are Christian or spiritual, yet we reveal a higher purpose for creation than just birth, life, and death.  We represent life as God meant it to be with an eternal perspective; from God’s perspective, everything has always existed, but because of sin, time and decay have been forced upon creation to cause it to cry out for renewal.

“I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters! For against its will the universe itself has had to endure the empty futility resulting from the consequences of human sin. But now, with eager expectation, all creation longs for freedom from its slavery to decay and to experience with us the wonderful freedom coming to God’s children.” 
Romans 8:18-21 (TPT)

Coming to Christ wasn’t just about us finding freedom from sin, but for all of creation to find freedom and healing from sin and death.  We see glimpses of this when we pray for others who have illnesses that need intervention and a touch of the restorative power of God, and they are healed.  We also see lives changed when we speak life and encouragement to others who need to hear of the affections of God for their lives, and they are released to walk in God’s love and mercy. 

We can also speak to creation itself that it may be healed and restored to its original intended purpose. 

The cosmos itself is affected when we speak life into the natural world; creation is standing on tiptoe, stretching out its neck to see what we will do next to restore God’s original intent before sin corrupted creation.  We are agents of change that brings the light of Christ into the darkness to reveal the intent for creation rather than just letting creation continue to suffer in its corrupted state.

So what are “the good things that we do?”  Someone could read this passage and think that Jesus is saying that this is based on works alone, which is the furthest thing from what He is saying.  For if it were about works alone, then why do we have over 2000 years of examples of works which have not accomplished the restoration and balance of God’s created order, and why isn’t the world sold out for Jesus Christ?

 “When He had traveled on, a young man came and knelt in the dust of the road in front of Jesus.  Good Teacher! What must I do to gain life in the world to come? Jesus replied: You are calling Me good? Don’t you know that God and God alone is good?” 

Mark 10:17-18 (VOICE)

We can do “good things,” but we have a burning question, is it the will of God?  Paul makes a salient point when speaking to the Romans about this matter:

“Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.” Romans 12:2 (GNT)

We have three things to consider here, what is:

1. Good,
2. Pleasing (or acceptable),
3. And perfect.  

You don't even have to be a follower of Christ and do what is good for it to have an immediate impact, but it will bear no eternal results.  The Greek word for this is “agathos” which basically means doing the right thing.   

You can also do what is seemingly pleasing (or acceptable) to God and it brings about the desired and well-pleasing result.  This Greek word is “euarestos” which is different from “agathos” as this envokes a pleasured response from the result.  

The last word Paul mentions here is doing that which is perfect which is the Greek word “teleios” which is completely different than the other two words.  Teleios means an action that is brought to its end, completed, giving nothing that is necessary to its completeness, perfection.  Jesus utilized the same word “teleios” when he said:

“You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:48 (GNT)

The perfection Jesus was speaking of was knowing God’s will and speaking and responding from His will regarding all of creation.  As we are being transformed (changed) into the mind of Christ not only do we do good things to help people who have an immediate need, but we are also called to do things that are producing pleasing results in the lives of others.  

The perfect thing is recognizing that we are speaking the will (or mind) of God by declaring creative life into others and into God’s world so that sin will be removed and new life may be the result.  We speak life in all of the created order.

The final result of all of us becoming lights is that others may see these actions through us and be drawn to our heavenly Father and praise Him once again.  He dearly loves us all and wants to draw His family back to Himself.

Be Blessed;

Stephen Barnett