In our everyday language, we use the word “good” to describe a pleasant experience, a kind person, or a well-made object. But from a metaphysical and spiritual perspective, “good” carries a far deeper, more profound significance. It is not merely a relative quality or a moral judgment; it is the very essence of the Divine.

This exploration delves into the metaphysical meaning of good, moving beyond a simple duality of good versus evil to understand it as the fundamental nature of reality itself.

Good as the Absolute: The Nature of God

At its highest level, good is the Absolute; the incomparable; that which is godly in its character. This definition points to “good” not as something God does, but as what God is. It is the omnipresent, all-pervading source and substance of all creation.

This concept is powerfully echoed in the Bible. When a man addressed Jesus as “Good Teacher,” Jesus responded with a profound metaphysical correction:

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.” (Mark 10:18, NIV)

Jesus wasn’t denying his own divinity but was redirecting the man’s understanding. He was pointing him toward the ultimate Source. He clarified that absolute, unchangeable, and perfect Good is not a human attribute but the very definition of God. To be “good” is to be in alignment with this divine nature.

Good and Evil: States of Consciousness, Not External Forces

A pivotal insight in metaphysical teachings is the understanding of good and evil not as external forces warring over us, but as states of consciousness.

• A consciousness of good is one that is aligned with Divine Mind. It is a state of peace, love, wisdom, forgiveness, and abundance. It is the awareness of the omnipresent All-Good.
• A consciousness of evil (or error) is one that operates from a sense of separation from God. It is a state of fear, lack, hatred, judgment, and limitation.

These states of consciousness are not abstract ideas; they have tangible consequences. They form the very fabric of our experience:

“Good and evil states of consciousness form the heavens and the hells of the race.”

This means we don’t necessarily “go to” heaven or hell after we die; we experience them right now based on the state of mind we inhabit. Anxiety, resentment, and fear are glimpses of a self-created hell. Moments of profound peace, unconditional love, and joy are foretastes of heaven.

We journey to these states “every time we mentally project thoughts that ‘chord’ with that particular state.” Like a radio tuning into a frequency, our thoughts and emotions attract experiences that match their vibrational quality. Focus on lack, and you find more lack. Focus on gratitude, and you uncover reasons to be grateful.

The Ultimate Triumph of Light Over Darkness

If evil is a state of consciousness based on a false belief in separation, how do we overcome it? We don’t fight it directly. You cannot punch darkness; you must simply turn on a light.

“When we establish an enduring consciousness of good, evil disappears as darkness before light.”

This is the core of metaphysical practice. It is not about battling negative thoughts with willpower but about consistently cultivating a higher awareness. Through prayer, meditation, affirmative prayer, and mindful living, we “establish an enduring consciousness of good.” We consciously choose thoughts that align with the Absolute Good—thoughts of wholeness, peace, and love.

As this light of understanding grows within us, the shadows of fear, lack, and sickness—the manifestations of a belief in evil—naturally recede and lose their power over us. They are revealed for what they always were: illusions born from a temporary forgetfulness of our true, good nature.

Embracing Your Divine Nature

The metaphysical journey invites us to move beyond a superficial understanding of good and evil. It calls us to:

1. Recognize God as Absolute Good: Anchor your faith in the unchanging, omnipresent nature of Divine Goodness.
2. Take Responsibility for Your Consciousness: Understand that your thoughts and beliefs shape your reality. You choose your state of mind.
3. Cultivate the Light: Instead of fighting darkness, dedicate yourself to practices that strengthen your awareness of good. As the Apostle Paul urged, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, NIV)

By doing so, you aren’t just being a “good person.” You are actively participating in the divine nature, dissolving the illusions of separation, and manifesting a heaven of peace and wholeness right here on earth.