Peer pressure has gotten a bad rap. We're raised to fight, flee, and resist it. But I love peer pressure, at least the kind spoken of in Hebrews 10:24, which helps form me into Christ's image. The primary way I help others grow is by applying this sort of Spirit-inspired peer pressure.
Practically, this means inviting brothers and sisters into my life in order to be influenced by my beliefs, values, and behaviors—in short, by my commitment to Christ. For example, my wife and I have fostered and adopted children. Throughout this process of raising our children, we've made concerted efforts to invite others into the messiness of our family life. On one hand, this has made us better parents (you discover untapped reservoirs of parental patience when extra eyes are on you). On the other hand, this practice has given others a concern for orphans, a willingness to care for them, and faith that God can help them do so. I take this same attitude in my role as a pastor. I see my primary task as providing the time and space for Christians to apply Spirit inspired pressure upon one another.
-Jason Johansen, co-pastor at Grace and Peace Church, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Copyright © 2012 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
