Scared You Smell Bad? What Jesus Would Say

Hey, carpool crew. I'm Pastor Justin, and today we are going to talk about something that's kind of personal. What if I smell bad? That fear might sound kind of funny at first, but it's actually something a lot of people are scared of. You don't want to bring the wrong kind of attention. You don't want to be the kid people avoid because you smell. You want to feel confident and clean, and that's totally normal. But what does Jesus say about fears like this, when we're worried what others might notice about us? All month long we're talking about what Jesus would say about the things that make us scared. Today's verse is from Luke chapter 12, verse 7. This is what it says: "Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." So what does that mean? What's a sparrow, and how many am I worth? In Luke chapter 12, Jesus was teaching his friends not to worry about anything. Not food, not clothes, not even what others think. Why? Because God sees it all. He knows everything about you, even how many hairs are on your head. And he still says, don't be afraid, you are valuable. So if Jesus cares about that much detail, don't you think he understands a fear like, what if I smell bad? Absolutely. And he doesn't laugh or roll his eyes. He gently reminds you, you matter, let's take care of you together. So let's say you've had a gym class or recess, or a long day in a warm hoodie, and you suddenly worry, wait, do I smell? You shrink in your seat, you pull your arms in, you stop talking. You don't want any attention. That fear can take over your whole brain. But here's the truth. You're not gross, you're not weird, you're human. And this is why God gave you parents and toothbrushes and soap and deodorant. They're not fancy extras. They're just part of how we care for the body God gave us. He knows every hair on our head, and we get to learn how to take care of ourselves. So how do you handle the fear of smelling bad? First, know that it's normal. Everyone, even grownups, has to deal with this. It's part of life. Let your parents help you. Showers, baths, brushing your teeth, making sure your clothes are clean, and yes, using deodorant, they're all normal things. You're not alone. Care for your body like it's God's creation, because it is. And remember, your worth isn't based on how you smell. Jesus sees your heart. That's what he cares about, and he loves you. As you're growing, you're learning and becoming more aware of yourself, and that's all part of becoming who God made you to be. Jesus isn't embarrassed by you. He's proud of you, and he wants you to get help from the people around you who love you. So if you ever worry, what if I smell bad? Just take a deep breath and remember that Jesus walks with you, and parents are there to help you, even on the stinky days. And hey, it's Friday, which means we've got two really great weekend episodes coming up for all our Carpooling with Jesus Plus subscribers. On Saturday, we'll talk about the fear of, what if I mess everything up? And on Sunday we'll talk about, what if I have to speak in front of the class? If you're already subscribed on Apple Podcasts, awesome. If not, and you want to enjoy those episodes, it's super easy to subscribe. I don't want you to miss any of our weekend devotionals or bonus episodes coming up. And remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Now, before you go, answer this question together. What's one way you can take care of your body this week? I'll see you either tomorrow or Monday on Carpooling with Jesus.