Being a do-gooder is not usually a term of endearment. It has been used as a put-down, a way to box someone as a bit boring or perhaps a bit disengaged from culture.

But being a do-gooder is profoundly Christ-focused. In fact it is a sign that you take Christ seriously and are being changed by the Holy Spirit.

So when people raise a tension about Gospel proclamation versus social welfare, I don't understand what the fuss is about; God doesn't set up a tension between these issues.

In reflecting on the books of Titus and 1 Peter recently, I have been greatly encouraged by the fact that good works are the natural result of being changed by the Gospel.

Titus 3 in particular has been important, as I am reminded that good works really are the fruit of salvation as the believer enjoys relationship with God.

There is a harder line to take heed of as well. The classic text of James 2 is unequivocal that faith without deeds is dead. What a confronting text - it should move us deeply to examine our hearts and our actions, and cry out in repentance.

Strong, faithful and joyous preaching of the Good News about Jesus can not help but inspire in the believer a movement of action to serve others and to do good works.

So when thinking and talking about Gospel proclamation versus social action, take out the 'versus' bit and get about the business of 'doing' both.

This is what marks out Christian care as different - it is inspired by the Gospel and ultimately glorifies Jesus, even though it means our hands will get dirty along the way.