Social Justice Christianity?

The seemingly noble endeavor of ending childhood poverty and preventable death wherever they may be found in our world, without providing the Gospel in a lasting and permanent way, is to inflict upon that child an eternity of suffering and loss forever under the banner of do-gooding.  To the child with his belly full and heart empty, an unspeakable injustice has been served him.  

Think of this for a moment.  I just received an email that inspired the above thought (and, yes, you can quote me on it!).  Every time we buy a Bible through a particular, and might I add reputable, company a certain portion of the proceeds goes to the efforts of ending childhood poverty, hunger and preventable deaths.  It occurred to me that through Social Justice Christianity -- and I question why Christianity has to even be categorized as such -- we can often feel good about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or healing sick children through medicine only addresses a temporary need.  Are these things not needed?  Are these not noble and good causes?

"If a person owns the kinds of things we need to make it in the world but refuses to share with those in need, is it even possible that God's love lives in him?" 1 John 3:17 (The Voice)

The Bible says they are worthy. But full bellies and fevers reduced only addresses a worldly and temporary problem. Humanities problem goes much deeper. It's found in the soul. Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" (NLT)  

There are things more terrible than hunger and poverty.  An eternity without Christ Jesus, is an unthinkable divorce from the realm of this temporary life.  So Do-Good?  Yes!  But let's not miss the great for doing the good we should be doing.  The greatest gift is the gift of eternal life in Christ.  Let's not forget that in our well doing.