Shine Bright This Year: Let Your Light Shine on Day One

Hey carpool crew, whether you're double checking your backpack or heading out with brand new shoes that you don't wanna scuff. I'm Pastor Justin, and I'm so glad you're here. It's day one, August 1st. We're so excited. A brand new school year, new pencils, new teacher, maybe even a new classroom, new friends to meet. And you know what else? It's time for a brand new chance to shine. Now, I wanna check out what Jesus says in Matthew chapter five, verse 16. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven. Jesus said this while teaching a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount. He had just told them if they follow him, they are like a city on a hill, a light that can't be hidden. Back in Bible times, homes were lit with small oil lamps. Could you imagine having oil lamps all over your house? No electricity, no charging your iPhones or iPads? No Xbox. Just one light in a dark room. Made a huge difference for them. Jesus was saying, when you follow me, you are that light for others. And here's the thing, it's not about being loud or showing off, it's about doing good things, being kind, bringing love so that people see Jesus in you. If Jesus were sitting right next to you on the first day of school, I think he'd say, you don't have to be the loudest. You just have to be the kindest, let your actions speak. People will see me through the way you treat them. That means your smile, your words, and even the small things you do can shine big, bright light in a world that really needs it. Here's how you can shine today without saying a word, be the first to say hi to someone new. Maybe there's a new kid in class, maybe they just moved from another state or another town. Be the first person to introduce yourself and say, I'm so happy you're at the school. Let someone go first in line. If you see that someone is maybe really hungry, or they're just really maybe a little impatient and they just wanna be first. Let 'em let 'em go first. You can wait. It's no big deal. Sit with someone who looks nervous or lonely. You know what that feels like, right? You're sitting there, maybe you're new. You really don't know anyone. Be the person to invite them over, introduce them to your friends, help someone who drops their pencil or spills their milk. That's really easy and speak kindly, especially when someone else doesn't. Your light isn't about being perfect. No, no, no. There's only one perfect person, and it was Jesus. It's about being present, loving like Jesus. Even when it's hard, even on day one in this school year, you can shine his light every single day. You never know who might be watching, wondering what makes you different. Let it be Jesus that makes you different this year. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Before you go answer this question together, how can you be a light for Jesus today? Not just by what you say, but by what you do. And don't miss the trailer for season two of carpooling with Jesus with some special things we're gonna be announcing tomorrow on carpooling with Jesus.