in conversion can create in people a desire to help improve the conditions in the lives of others. True evangelism coupled with discipleship results in changed lives, and these changed lives help to change the world. Baptists preach, teach, and writeto set forth the standards of the Bible for the social order, to challenge practices that are wrong, and to encourage individuals and organizations to be involved in positive social action. Baptist preachers have proclaimed the Bible’s teachings about changing the conditions in the world. Baptist authors have written volumes about the need to apply the gospel to all of life. Baptists have utilizedboycotts and public demonstrationstobring about social change. Theyseek elected officeaswell as encourage people to votein elections. Theylobbygovernment officials to deal constructively with problems that plague society, such as pollution, hunger, pornography, racism, and poverty. Theyjoin with other denominations to form organizationsto deal with specific social problems, such as child abuse, neglect of the sanctity of life, drunkenness, and violation of religious freedom. At times, Baptists have engaged inarmed conflictto bring about a more just society, such as during the American Revolution. Usually, Baptist efforts have been peaceful, such as the acts of civil disobedience during the struggles for religious freedom and the campaigns for racial justice. Challenges to Applying the Gospel Efforts to apply the gospel to the social order meet many challenges. When individuals, churches, and other Baptist organizations endeavor to follow the command of Jesus to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14), they often meet rejection and hostility. Applying the gospel often calls for unusual courage. Applying the gospel is also difficult because quite often there is lack of agreement as to which problems should be confronted. Further disagreement may erupt over the methods to use in dealing with a particular problem. Some peoplequestion the validityof efforts to correct ills in society. They doubt if it is possible to significantly change the institutions of society, such as governments and economic systems. Such doubt can hinder the application of the gospel to all of life. Most Baptists recognize that a perfect world is not attainable in this life, given the sinful conditions of human beings, but a better one is possible. Apathy and indifferenceplay a huge role in thwarting effective efforts to apply the gospel. Unfortunately, many people choose to leave to others the difficult task of bringing about justice and righteousness in the world. Baptists strive to overcome these challenges in various ways. Theyurge people to seek guidance and empowerment what does require of act justly vemercy lk humbly ur God.” 6:8 (NIV)
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