Light is employed as a metaphor for good works. This is clearly stated in Jesus’ teaching on the mount. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The Christian faith is not about rhetoric; it is by demonstration. We are called to work. This was the point that Paul brought to the remembrance of Titus. Three stages are involved here. First, we are redeemed from lawless deeds; second, we are purified or set apart as God’s own people; and thirdly, we are engaged to produce good works.
Believers’ work must be two-pronged. We are enjoined to show love in the community of saints. In Jesus’ opinion, this is the way to send a powerful signal to those who are yet to believe that we belong to God. Then we are to demonstrate good works to the world by showing mercy. We show mercy when we take any step towards the salvation of souls. We equally demonstrate mercy when we reach out to the world to alleviate any of the problems that plague the world. While our works do not add in any way to the salvation which we already obtained by faith in Christ, they will definitely add to our rewards in heaven. Our calling to the faith of Jesus is never complete without reaching out in service to others.