Evangelism could solve many of the problems the world faces. In the The Power of Effective Evangelism, we learned the exceptional benefits that come with reaching the unreached. Evangelism involves sharing the Good News of Christ. It entails informing or reminding unbelievers about the precious gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sin that God offered by sacrificing His son. Although preaching may not necessarily turn planet Earth into a paradise, it could have innumerable benefits, a few of which are highlighted below.
1. Evangelism reduces crimes.
Since preaching the gospel involves revealing the power of God, people trapped in crimes undergo a transformation that culminates in behavior change. You only need to look at the life of Paul before conversion. Acts 9 explains how Paul, also called Saul, persecuted the church, something that displeased the Lord. However, Paul became a believer and abandoned his wicked ways. In Ephesians 4:28, the same man now tells us that anyone who steals should stop. Since effective evangelism influences behavior change, it could be the panacea for the many criminal acts affecting our world.
2. Evangelism inspires and enhances good governance.
Paul, in Colossians 3:23-24, requires us to do everything as unto the Lord. The point emphasized in this scripture is integrity. Paul wants us to realize that we are accountable to God first. With this understanding, believers should strive to perform their duties with honesty. If we preached to people in leadership positions and succeeded in convincing them to accept Christ, we could improve service delivery in the public and private sectors.
3. Evangelism improves overall health.
Most people who receive Christ usually reconsider even their eating habits. A typical evangelist discourages converts from using alcohol and other harmful substances. Additionally, new believers learn and experience the power of fasting as far as health is concerned. As believers meditate on bible verses that encourage them to shun anxiety and trust in the Lord instead, their mental well-being improves. Moreover, believers become socially connected by meeting often, as exhorted in Hebrews 10:25. You see? Evangelism can make people healthier!
4. Evangelism enhances social cohesion
Many of the problems bedeviling the world are attributable to the lack of cohesion. Racism, sexism, ethnocentrism, and other vices permeate modern society due to the social constructs that we embrace. Evangelism challenges all strongholds and inspires people to see everyone through the eyes of the Lord, regardless of racial background, gender, or class. In Galatians 3:28-29, Paul reminds us that in Christ, we’re no longer defined by our culture, race, or gender. Imagine if everyone in the world accepted this verse! We’d be more of one global community.
5. Evangelism fosters workplace ethics
Looking at the letter to the Ephesians, one gets the impression that Paul wants believers to uphold ethics in their daily interactions. In the fifth chapter, Paul starts by telling us to love one another. Even though the context here involves believers, we can show love to our workmates. Elsewhere, he says we’re to stop stealing and share with those in need (Ephesians 4:28).
Conclusion
Evangelism is primarily meant to save people from eternal fire (Jude 1:23; John 3:18), yet it ends up having a positive impact on people’s lives here on Earth. Think about the billions of dollars spent on treating health conditions that could be avoided or reduced through evangelism. In the United States, for example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that treating smoking-related diseases costs the government a whopping $300 billion annually! In England alone, alcohol abuse leads to a £27billion loss yearly! Can you believe that? The indisputable truth is that evangelism could save all this money and ensure it is directed to more beneficial causes. We, therefore, have a duty to reach the unreached; we may end up saving our countries huge resources!
