The Cross: The True Source of Kingdom Influence

In a world that values power, success, and self-promotion, the message of the cross stands as a radical alternative. As Christians seeking to make a difference in our communities, we must ask ourselves a crucial question: What is truly shaping our influence?

What Shapes Our Influence?

If we’re not intentionally anchored in the cross of Christ, it’s remarkably easy to slip into using the world’s tools for influence. We might rely on power to exercise dominion over people, use our personality to charm others, apply pressure and guilt, or perform for approval. But kingdom influence doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins with Christ and Christ crucified. Paul declared, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Christ crucified.” This wasn’t because Paul lacked knowledge or skill; he was a renowned scholar. Rather, he understood that the cross is where God’s power is most clearly revealed.

Why the Cross Seems Foolish to the World

Paul was writing to Corinth, a culture that prized strength, intellect, eloquence, and success—values that sound remarkably familiar today. Yet Paul intentionally centered everything on the cross, not because it looked impressive or won arguments, but because it revealed God’s true power. It’s possible to do all the right activities while being connected to the wrong power source. Without realizing it, we can start relying on persuasion instead of prayer, anger instead of love, or platforms instead of presence. The power has never been in us—it’s in the cross.

How the Cross Is Countercultural

Embracing Weakness as Strength

The message of the cross appears as foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are saved, it’s the power of God. What the world calls foolish, God calls powerful. The cross exposes the limits of human wisdom and self-sufficiency. Kingdom influence doesn’t come from appearing strong—it comes from trusting God in our weakness. This challenges our natural tendency to hide our weaknesses and showcase only our strengths. Yet God’s power is perfected in human weakness.

God Uses Broken People

God is so amazing that He can partner with imperfect people to advance His will in the world. He can use someone as flawed as any of us to accomplish something significant for His kingdom. This is countercultural because we’re conditioned to hide our messes and post only success stories.
How the Cross Redefines Success

Faithfulness Over Visibility

The world defines success by visibility, platform building, followers, and control. God defines success differently—by faithfulness and surrender. In the kingdom, influence isn’t about being impressive; it’s about being obedient.
Sometimes the most influential thing you can do is quietly follow Jesus when no one is watching. This makes a real difference in your community. People need to see the church acting with integrity, following Jesus even in private moments.

Obedience Over Outcomes

Kingdom success isn’t measured by the size of your platform or the number of people you can influence. It’s measured by your willingness to surrender to God’s will and faithfully follow His calling, regardless of visible results.
How the Cross Removes Boasting

The Great Equalizer

When Christ crucified is our message, there’s no room for pride or comparison. The cross levels the ground and humbles us before God and one another. It doesn’t matter your background, financial status, platform, or personality—the cross humbles everyone equally.

Humility as a Requirement

Humility isn’t weakness in God’s kingdom; it’s a requirement for real influence. You cannot advance a crucified kingdom with uncrucified lives. The cross isn’t just the doorway into salvation—it’s the ongoing shape of the Christian life.

Jesus’ Strategy: Lambs Among Wolves

A Radical Approach

Jesus sent out His followers with this instruction: “Behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” This was His strategy—not escapism or power-grabbing, but humble confidence in God’s power.

Dependence on God’s Power

Jesus told His disciples to carry no money, no bag, no shoes, and to depend entirely on God’s provision. This wasn’t poor planning—it was intentional dependence on divine power rather than human resources.

The Cost and Power of the Cross

Understanding the Cost

The cross had a cost for Jesus, and it will have a cost for us. It takes sacrifice to say, “Not my will, but Thy will.” Jesus demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for His friends.

Finding True Power

Despite the cost, this is where true power is found—in the cross, in knowing Jesus. When we position ourselves at the foot of the cross, that’s where we find the ability to impact our community with genuine kingdom influence.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to return to the cross daily. Each morning, take a moment to pause and pray: “Jesus, remind me who You are and what You’ve done for me.”
Ask yourself these important questions: Has the cross shaped how I speak to the people closest to me? Has it influenced how I respond to others and engage with my community? Am I relying on worldly tactics for influence, or am I drawing my power from the cross?
When you live surrendered to Jesus, you’ll see the world more clearly and understand your community more deeply. But without the cross at the center, your influence will drift toward worldly methods that lack true power. Kingdom influence begins and remains at the cross—it’s a radical message of surrender that transforms both us and those around us.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.