Different in a Good Way

Hey, Carpool Crew! Happy Tuesday. I'm Pastor Justin, and before we jump in, let me give a big shout-out to Tayven and Jameson from St. Joseph, Missouri. So glad you are with us today. And this episode is about standing out at school without being the loudest or the coolest. You know how some kids get noticed for being funny or fast or fancy? There is another way to stand out that actually lasts. Let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride: the Spirit grows kindness and self-control in you that other kids will notice. Listen to this from Galatians 5:22-23. Paul writes, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Fruit is something that grows. You do not force an apple onto a tree. When God's Spirit is in you, this good stuff grows out of you over time. The people who first read this were learning that following God is not about faking good behavior. It is about God growing real change from the inside out. Here is what lands. When you keep your cool while everybody else melts down, or you are kind when it would be easier to be mean, kids notice. Not because you are showing off, but because it is different in a good way. If Jesus were sitting next to you right now, He would say, "You do not have to be the loudest to stand out. Let Me grow real kindness and calm in you, and people will feel the difference." It is a group project, and one kid is being difficult, and everybody is getting snippy. You stay steady. You keep being kind. You do not fire back. Later, another kid asks, "How were you so chill?" That is the fruit of the Spirit, and somebody just noticed it. Hey, this week, try these two things. First, pick one fruit from that list, maybe patience or kindness, and ask God to grow it in you this week. Second, watch for one moment to show self-control when you would normally snap, and let it be quiet proof God is at work in you. Hey, let's go back to that one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. The Spirit grows kindness and self-control in you that other kids will notice. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if your kids are loving these, consider Carpooling with Jesus+ for bonus episodes each week that keep faith part of your family's daily rhythm. Before you go, let's answer this question together. What is one fruit of the Spirit you want God to grow in you this week? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.