You Don't Have to Wait to Be Great

Hey carpool crew, whether you're doing some back to school shopping or just grabbing breakfast with mom or dad, or just enjoying the last few days of summer. I'm Pastor Justin and I'm so glad you're here. Have you ever heard someone say, you'll do great things when you grow up? That sounds nice, but Jesus says something even better. You don't have to wait. I can use you to do great things right now. Today's verse is from Matthew chapter 18, verse three. Here's what it says. Unless you turn and become like a child, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. One day, Jesus's disciples asked him, who's the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? They probably expected him to say something about adults with power or people who had done big things. But instead, Jesus called over a child and said, you want to know who's greatest? Look right here. Back then, kids weren't always noticed or included in important moments, but Jesus made it clear. Children mattered deeply to him. He didn't say, wait until you're older. He said, come close. I want others to be more like you. If Jesus was walking beside you in your neighborhood, I think he'd say something like, you have something special the world needs. Don't wait until you're older. I can use you right now. You can show kindness right now. You can lead by example right now. You can share your faith right now. You don't need a degree, a driver's license or a big TikTok following, you can make a difference without all that. So what does it look like to make a difference as a kid? Well, you can be the first person to say hello to someone new. Maybe it'll be a new person you meet in class or maybe a new person in your neighborhood. You can pray for your friends who are having a hard day. You can say something kind when others are laughing at someone. You can always stick up for somebody. In front of a bully, be brave. Remind people that Jesus loves them just by the way you treat them. But you can also remind them, hey, you know Jesus loves you, right? You just need a heart that's ready to love Jesus, and he is not waiting for you to get taller or older or more experienced. He's ready to use you in big ways and small ways right now. He is ready to use your life, your words, and your heart right now. Remember, no matter where you are or how you're listening, God loves you. Parents, if you love today's podcast, tell your kids' pastor about it at church. They may want to share it with other families. And before you go answer this question together, what's one way you believe Jesus can use you to make a difference at school this year? I'll see you tomorrow for a special Saturday episode of Carpooling with Jesus.