Does leadership determine culture, or does culture determine leadership? There is a great deal of controversy over the answer.

I have examined characteristics of culture from each decade since 1920. I have also looked at the president who served the most time during each decade to our current day.

The conclusion is split. There are times when it appears culture determined the leadership. However, it would appear at times, leadership determined the culture.

I also found the definition of leadership changed from one decade to the next depending on the culture and leadership.

This is also true Biblically. When Joshua led Israel, his influence led God’s people to remain loyal and faithful. However, we find the mindset of Israel, at a divisive point in their history, selecting Jeroboam as king. The result was spiritually devastating.

While we may never have a definitive answer, one thought is clear. God intends spiritual leaders to influence the culture and not the reverse. The task before us is to be the influence in our world. I pray we arise to and accept the challenge with courage and boldness. Eternity matters.