Society is corrupt with . . . excesses and moral violations, . . . blatant self-interest of many politicians, . . . civic offices used as paths to personal affluence, . . . tough reforms needed to alleviate the conditions of the working poor, . . . corporate oppression, . . . bigger government that could respond in emergency or disaster . . .

Sound familiar? These conditions gave rise to the Social Gospel of the previous century. While the emphasis on alleviating suffering and correcting social injustice are noble goals there are some lessons to learn from the past.

1. Stay on Task. Don’t get sidetracked. What is the primary purpose of the Church? Jesus commissioned His disciples to be witnesses of Him and make disciples (Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19-20).

While making disciples and following in the footsteps of Jesus include doing good and meeting people’s physical needs that is not the primary purpose of the church. It is a means to accomplishing the primary purpose, but should be become a substitute for making disciples. People’s greatest need is spiritual not physical.

2. Maintain Sound Doctrine. The primary error of the Social Gospel was the departure from sound doctrine by many of its proponents. Following the teachings of Jesus will benefit society. But Jesus did not come to bring social reform. He came to bring salvation to fallen humanity and restore our relationship with God by means of His sacrifice for our sin. The teachings of Jesus are irrelevant if He is not who He claimed to be.

3. Beware of the Pendulum. By nature we are people of extremes. Much of the apparant malaize by the church regarding social issues may be a reaction of the ineffectiveness of the Social Gospel movement. It didn’t solve the problems of our society. It may have helped in certain circumstances, but it was not a lasting solution. So we go the other way. There is a tendency to go from one extreme to another. As one preacher has said, there is a ditch on each side of the road.

Scripture is filled with admonitions to help the poor and hurting. It is sin to neglect these duties. Still, we must maintain the proper balance of addressing the spiritual needs. It is amazing to see the difference in a person’s life when he or she becomes a follower of Jesus.