Is Evangelism or Political Activism More Effective in Changing the World?

Evangelism versus Political or Social Activism,

Barbara Henderson

Who would you guess to be:

the most evangelical of the Protestant/Baptist denominations?

the most likely to be watching for the return of Jesus Christ?

My guess on both is Baptist, but there are many others who place a high priority on evangelism. 

There are many Christians who are blaming the 'great falling away' on Christians who have spent the last 50 years sitting around waiting for the rapture.

I have news for these people, those who are really watching for the rapture are spurred onward to tell the world that Jesus alone gives lost people the opportunity to turn to Him and gain entrance to heaven. The idea of people spending eternity in that literal place of horror called hell gives boldness to speak out and warn people of the terror that is coming if they don't turn to Christ.

There is a danger that those who set out to change the world through activism and social pressure will turn to a social gospel instead of the harsh reality gospel - turn to Jesus or you will go to hell. That is the truth, and it is the job of Christians to make the message clear and plain.

The good news is that social and political change is a byproduct that happens as people turn to Christ. Lives are changed when Jesus comes in, and then the new Christians begin to think and act different. Sometimes the change is slow, and sometimes fast, but change is definitely something that happens.

Some people feel they are called to go into politics and work to make changes in the government and society that way. That is wonderful, and I do wish them the very best. But true and lasting change must first come with a change of heart. Only Jesus Christ can make that change.

What the world really needs from all Christians is that we take heed to this verse:

Romans 1:21

'Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.'

Christians should live a life that glorifies God through obedience, and be thankful.

I thought for years that if I could change one thing only in this world I would stop abortion. But, I  came to realize that when people come to know the Lord personally then they will think and act different. Abortion will become as horrible to them as it really is. If there is a specific thing in the world you want to change, then go after it. However, the best way to change things is, as always, through personal dedication to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The second best way to change the world through the world for the better is through evangelism.  For every person saved you have gained someone who will be on the side of truth and right.  There are whole armies of people out there who need to hear about Jesus Christ. 

Let the hearts of all believers be broken for those who don’t have a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Our Biblical examples of evangelists begins with Jesus Himself.  He never took on the government or set out to change specific things in society that He didn’t like.  His apostles didn’t set out to do anything except see that as many people as possible had the opportunity to hear about Jesus. 

The United States is really a byproduct of people setting out to serve the Lord as they were directed in the Bible. Can we do better than those first Pilgrims and Puritans in social change?  The answer is, ‘No, we can’t.’  All we can do is the same thing they did.  Turn to God with our whole hearts and do what He leads us to do. 

I can guarantee you that evangelism will gain more souls for heaven than any activism.