There is a danger of being so caught up in the social aspect of good causes that one forgets and neglects the chief Christian calling. The Great Commission does not involve exerting a Christian influence upon society. In fact there is no Biblical teaching or example to support that popular slogan. Yes, Christ said so. To understand what he meant, we must look to Him as our perfect example.
Salt purifies the wound that light reveals and reproves.
Significant changes in society have been effected by preaching and example. Nevertheless, the abolition of slavery, the enactment of child labor laws and greater rights for women, while they are improvements to be thankful for, have not made society any more godly. Nor is it any more likely under these better conditions that a higher percentage of mankind will end up in heaven than before. While such changes are worth working for, many who call themselves Christians have become so absorbed in good causes that they have lost their fervor for saving souls. Many Christians were involved in the civil rights movement that finally ended segregation.