Hey Carpool Crew. Welcome back to Carpooling with Jesus. I'm Pastor Justin, and maybe you're hanging out on the couch or on your way to school. I'm just so glad you're here. So you know when somebody at the table says something about a kid at the other end of the table, and it gets a laugh, and you didn't laugh, but you didn't say anything either? Well, we've all been there. So let's jump in with the one thing I want you to remember for the ride. Say, "That's not cool," out loud. Listen to this from Proverbs 31:8. "Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed." Now, here's what's going on. Proverbs 31 starts with a mother teaching her son, and her son is a king. She could tell him anything, and one of the things she picks is this: when somebody can't speak up for themselves, you speak up for them. Look at the word speak. Not feel bad for them, not think it's wrong. Speak. That's something other people in the room can hear. Now, here's the honest part. When you speak up, your voice might come out a little different. Too quiet or too loud. Somebody might turn and laugh on you. That's real. It could happen. Speaking up might cost something. God asks you to do it anyway because the kid at the other end of the table can't do it for themselves. And that tells you something about God. He cares about the kid who has no voice. He always has, and he always will. When you speak up, you're doing what he does, what God does. Maybe it's at the loud lunch table. Maybe it's on the bus as you're going on a field trip. Maybe it's in a group chat or on the playground by your house, or a sibling getting picked on by a cousin. Ugh. Now, if you're in a situation like that, try this: get the short version ready before you need it. Three simple words, "That's not cool." No speech is needed, just those words out loud in the moment. And if the moment passes before you get that out, it's okay. Go find the person after and make sure they're all right. Now, this one works even if you missed the first chance. Hey, let's go back to the one thing I wanted you to remember for the ride. Say, "That's not cool" out loud. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. And parents, if this podcast is helping your family, consider subscribing. We'd love to have you subscribe on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Now, before you go, let's answer this question together. When was a moment you had the words ready to defend a friend, but the moment passed before you could say it? I'll see you tomorrow on Carpooling With Jesus.
