Peer pressure gets a bad rap.

Stick with me for a minute. Usually when we say peer pressure, we’re talking about the influence of others that sweeps us up to do bad things. We think of high schoolers and cigarettes or co-workers and unethical business practices. Don’t get me wrong, that kind of peer pressure deserves a bad reputation! We’re wise to avoid negative influences like that.

But our influence on each other doesn’t have to be negative. There’s such a thing as positive peer pressure too. That is, we can also influence each other toward something good. That’s how I was so consistent in going to jiu-jitsu class before COVID hit. My friends would notice if I didn’t show up and, eventually, they’d say something. That’s also why, at thirty years old, I’m finally reading the Harry Potter books. I’m out of excuses to give my friends!

Discipleship through relationship happens when we influence each other toward something good. Jesus didn’t just drop a curriculum in his disciple’s lap and tell them to study up for the test. God came down and built relationships. Jesus ate with his disciples and he traveled with them. He shared in all the normal, mundane experiences of life – using them to point his disciples back to the Kingdom of God.

It’s no surprise that the church Jesus established is also the church that follows his pattern. Hebrews 10:24-25 says,

And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Part of our work as the church is to stir each other up – to influence one another toward love and good works. As we go through life together, we encourage each other to keep the faith and we do it until the day that Jesus returns to make all things new.

That means, every once in a while, it’s a good idea to check-in and ask two questions:

1. Who influences you? – Everybody has influences. It could be teachers, friends, spouses, bosses, authors, or celebrities. All of our lists are just a little bit different. So, what’s your list? Whose opinion carries more weight in your life? Who do you most want to please? The people who come to mind are some of your influences. So, where do they point you? Do they point you toward love and good works? Or do they point you toward something else?

2. Who do you influence? – It also works the other way. You aren’t just influenced by others. You influence others too. Who are the people that look up to you or ask you for advice? More importantly, who actually listens to your advice after they’ve asked for it? As you consider those people, ask yourself another question. How do you influence them? Do you influence them toward God’s goodness and grace or do you promote something else?

Saints, the church is a team sport. We’re in this together, shoulder to shoulder, until we cross the finish line. That means we need brothers and sisters to help us and we need to help our brothers and sisters. That’s how a team works! So, Christian, who’s on your team?