How to Respect Your Teacher Like Jesus Wants You To

Hey, carpool crew, whether you're grabbing your backpack, logging in for homeschool, or just chilling before the day kicks off. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. Today we're talking about someone you probably see almost every day, your teacher. Now, your teacher might be the funniest person you know, or maybe they're so strict you feel like you're in a bootcamp. I had teachers like that when I was growing up. Shout out to my first grade teacher, Mrs. Quadi. Or maybe, just maybe, you don't get them at all. You don't feel like you can relate to them. I get that too. But here's the thing. You don't have to get them for God to care about how you treat them. And he does care. He cares a lot. Today's verse is from Hebrews chapter 13, verse 17. Here's what it says. Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls. Now, that's a Bible way of saying, listen to the people God's put in charge to help you. Now, it doesn't mean they're perfect. It doesn't mean you're going to agree with them all the time, but it does mean that God wants you to show them respect. See, when this verse was written, it wasn't for kids. It was for adults in the church. It was a reminder. Hey, your leaders are here to help you follow God. Respect them. And here's why that matters for you. Your teacher, they're a leader too. They're not just throwing out homework for fun, even if it feels like they are sometimes. They're helping you learn. They're helping you grow and get ready for the future, even if you don't always notice it like that. See, if Jesus walked into your class with you, I think he'd say something like, I see how hard your teacher is working. Even the stuff you don't notice, I see. I care about them, and I care about how you listen and talk to them. When you respect them, you're respecting me. Now, don't forget that Jesus respected the people who were trying to do good even when it was hard or awkward. And if he could do that, so can you. So how can you show respect? Well, there's three really easy ways I want you to listen up. First, look at them when they're talking. Don't zone out or mess around with your phone or your notebook or your friend sitting next to you. Just give them your attention. It's a simple way to show that you care. Second, talk nice. No eye rolls, no muttering under your breath, and definitely no "whatever." Okay? I know that there's a favorite word for many. Don't say whatever. Use words that build them up, not words that tear them down or make them feel small. And say thanks. This is so easy. You'd be surprised how far a thanks can go. A quick thank you after class, or even a sticky note left on their desk, can make their day. Respect isn't just about following the rules so you don't get in trouble. It's about showing God's love in how you treat people. It's saying, I see you. I appreciate you. I am gonna treat you the way God wants me to. And that's the people that you see in your neighborhood. That's the people that live in your house, your family. That's the people you run into at Starbucks or at a sports game. It's the people you run into at a movie theater. And yes, it is your teachers, your librarian, your nurse, the janitor. It's the people in your school too. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, share it with some parent friends so they can have great conversations with their kid too. Before you go, answer this together. What's one small way you can show your teacher respect today? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling with Jesus.