The Tail Shouldn't Wag the Dog
Monday, February 23, 2026
“The church should not reflect pop culture but portray godly attributes.” – Billy Graham
Billy Graham was born on November 7, 1918, and died on February 21, 1918. During his 99 years on earth – and his more than seven decades of ministry – Graham met every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Donald Trump, as well as hundreds of other world leaders. He also conducted 226 live crusades in the U.S. and another 195 abroad. In 1995, during the Global Mission event, he preached a sermon in San Juan, Puerto Rico that was transmitted by satellite to 185 countries and translated into 116 languages.
So, let’s just say that Dr. Graham knew what he was talking about when it came to the church, pop culture, and godly attributes… and he was adamant about the Church of Jesus Christ not caving in to worldly “pleasures and pressures”.
Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers” felt the same way. Spurgeon, who pastored the New Park Street Chapel (later known as the Metropolitan Tabernacle) in London during the second half of the 19th century, famously said that “The reason the church has so little influence on the world is because the world has so much influence on the church.”
If that was true 150 years ago – and it was – just imagine the oversized influence the unsaved world has on the Church Universal today. It is downright shameful!
My friend, it is time for the tail to stop wagging the dog! In Matthew 5, Jesus told His disciples that they were to be salt (a preservative) and a light (that exposes and banishes darkness). No longer should we be taking our marching orders from unbelievers when it comes to personal behavior and lifestyle choices nor should we be following their example.
In Deuteronomy 28, God told the Israelites that they were to be “the head and not the tail” but that their status and stature would depend on their level of obedience. Let’s start obeying God and His commands… and see how He elevates His Church in these last days before His Son’s return.
“Then all the people of the earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD…” Deuteronomy 28:10 (NKJV)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
