As Christians, our calling in society goes far deeper than merely criticizing corruption or choosing candidates who wave a “Christian” banner. Our mission is not to outsource righteousness to politicians or policies. The real call is to bear witness to the crucified and risen Jesus in a world that still bows to the idols of greed, power, and self-preservation.

The cross was not just a private spiritual transaction—it was a public declaration that Jesus is Lord, and Caesar is not. Theologian N.T. Wright reminds us in his book The Day the Revolution Began that the crucifixion wasn’t about escaping this world but about God launching His revolution to reclaim it. At Calvary, Jesus disarmed the powers that enslave humanity:

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” — Colossians 2:15 (ESV)

That means the story of the cross is not about retreating from the world but transforming it. The resurrection announced that a new kingdom has begun—a kingdom where love triumphs over domination, truth over manipulation, and humility over pride.

If that’s the story we belong to, then our role as followers of Christ is not to wring our hands in despair or retreat into silence. Instead, we are to speak truth to power, not for our comfort but for the sake of those who have no voice at all.

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” — Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV)

But speaking truth to power doesn’t mean shouting louder than the world. It means living differently—embodying the values of the kingdom Jesus inaugurated on the cross. Every act of honesty in a corrupt office, every moment of integrity in business, every decision to serve instead of dominate is part of that revolution.

When we name the name of Jesus in a culture that still bows to money, fame, and influence, we reclaim that territory for His lordship. The ground may be occupied by idols, but the banner of the crucified and risen King still flies higher.

The victory of the cross compels us not to withdraw from the world but to engage it—to love courageously, act justly, and walk humbly with the One who conquered not by taking life, but by giving His own.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (ESV)

So when we see corruption, injustice, and oppression, let’s remember:

We do not speak from a place of outrage, but from the hope of resurrection.

We do not fight for power, but from the victory of the cross.

And we do not point to ourselves—but to the King who reigns through love.