Keeping Service in Perspective

Ah, yes, the social gospel debate rages on with no end in sight. I was reading through the Wheaton magazine yesterday and I came across a great quote from the President of Wheaton College, Dr. Duane Litfin: "We view justice and compassion ministries as buttressing our gospel witness, not replacing it." What he is saying is that salvation must always remain at the forefront of any missions endeavor. We must always help people spiritually or else, are we really helping them. We also must tend to people's physical needs, but I do not want to save someone from starvation and neglect to save them from Hell. What good does that do? None at all. The gospel, the true gospel, must always be at the center. It cannot be replaced by "justice and compassion ministries."