“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:13-14)
Corruption has become a household word in Nigeria. It seeps into government, business, schools, and even our homes. From inflated contracts and exam malpractice to “settlements” and bribery, corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our nation. In a world plagued by corruption—where power is abused, trust is eroded, and justice is often for sale—the Church is called to be a transformative force. Jesus used the images of salt, which preserves, and light, which exposes, to describe the calling of His followers in a broken world. Where there is decay, salt slows the rot. Where there is darkness, light reveals and guides. In Nigeria today, the Church’s mission is clear: to resist the rot of corruption and shine the light of truth, honesty, and justice.
But the painful reality is that the Church is sometimes silent, and in some cases complicit. Scandals involving financial mismanagement, abuse of authority, or moral failures among church leaders tarnish its witness. When the Church mirrors the world’s corruption rather than confronting it, it loses its saltiness and dims its light. When Christians in leadership act no differently from unbelievers, when pastors measure success by wealth instead of holiness, when members excuse “little lies” as survival strategies, the salt loses its taste and the light grows dim.
It is often asked: If Nigeria has so many Christians, why is corruption still everywhere?
The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody the qualities of salt and light in a corrupt world:
- Preserving Righteousness (Salt): The Church must model integrity, accountability, and humility. This begins internally—ensuring that its leaders and members uphold biblical standards of honesty and justice. By fostering a culture of transparency and repentance, the Church can preserve the moral fabric of its community and influence society to do the same.
- Exposing and Guiding (Light): Corruption thrives in darkness, but the Church is called to shine the light of truth. This means boldly addressing systemic injustices, advocating for the marginalized, and holding the powerful accountable. Through preaching, community engagement, and prophetic witness, the Church can expose corruption and point to God’s kingdom as the ultimate standard of justice.
PRACTICAL STEPS FOR THE CHURCH
To be salt and light in a corrupt system, the Church must take intentional steps:
- Internal Reform: Churches must prioritize accountability, ensuring financial transparency, ethical leadership, and swift action against misconduct. A Church that cannot govern itself with integrity cannot hope to influence the world.
- Engaging Society: The Church should actively participate in public life, advocating for policies that promote justice and combat corruption. This could involve partnering with organizations to address systemic issues like poverty, which often fuels corrupt practices.
- Discipleship for Integrity: Church members should be equipped to live counterculturally, resisting the temptation to compromise in their personal and professional lives. Sermons, Bible studies, and mentorship programmes can instil values of honesty and service.
- Prayer: Corruption is not just a human problem; it has spiritual roots. The Church must engage in fervent prayer, seeking God’s intervention to break the strongholds of greed and deceit.
True discipleship must confront corruption at its roots: greed, selfishness, and fear. The Gospel calls us to integrity because our God is holy. The Church must not mirror Nigeria’s rotten system but model an alternative community where truth, fairness, and righteousness reign.
Nigeria’s corruption is deep, but it is not beyond redemption. The Church must rise as salt and light—exposing evil, preserving truth, and showing a better way. If Christians live as true disciples, our collective witness can transform society. The Church’s calling is clear. In a rotten system, we are to be the salt that preserves and the light that transforms. Are we preserving righteousness in our communities? Are we shining light in the dark corners of corruption? Let us rise to this challenge.
Princewill Ireoba
Canon Theologian, Cathedral Of Advent, Abuja & Director Of Theological Matters, Church Of Nigeria
