I'd rather see a sermon, than hear one any day.
I'd rather one would walk with me - than merely show the way.
The eye's a better pupil - more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing, but example's always clear.
And the best of all the people are the ones who live their creed,
For to see the good in action is what everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me see it done.
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
The lectures you deliver may be very wise and true -
But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you, and the high advice you give.
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.
By: Edgar Guest
Nobody's perfect. I know some people think they are close to it...(hahaha) but, thank the Lord that nobody has it ALL together and is perfect in all that they do. I used to think that some people (women/moms) had it all together. But, as I get older I do realize that they dont. Surely their house is not clean ALL the time......right? ")
In my own home, I',m beginning to see more and more of my reflection as I look at my teenage daughters. Thankfully I do see some good traits; but I also see some of my negative traits popping up from time to time. It was a highly convicting moment when I heard my own daughter using the exact same whining words of complaint that I used in a griping session I had with my husband.
We have all done things that we regret. I think of Peter who denied that he even knew Jesus - no once, not twice, but three times. No doubt Peter felt like a failure. Peter had to feel as if he could not build a church when he displayed some weaknesses. But, he learned that God is a forgiving God. He forgives us, renews us, and still uses us, despite our mistakes.
After Jesus was resurrected, he came to Peter and asked 3 times, "Peter, do you love me?" Peter answered, "Lord, you know all things; you ,know that I love you." And Jesus told him, "Feed my sheep" John 21:17. Peter had messed up, but God still had a great plan for Peter's life! Peter would become the leader of the first century church, feeding the many followers who would soon come to know Christ as their Savior.
We are also bound to mess up from time to time.....at least I know I am. And, some days its more than once! Boy oh boy, I know that I mess up a LOT! But I am so very thankful that the Lord has said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9. God can still use us, because God forgives us! In fact, when we make a mistake, God can use us to teach our children by example how to come before him, repent, and accept his wonderful mercy and love.
I just recently had to go to one of my daughters and tell her I was sorry for the way I acted and the things I said out of haste. She accepted my apology and gratefully it is behind us now. I want my life to be the best sermon and sermon example all three of my daughters will ever see or hear. I do want my girls to be godly teenagers who grow up to be godly women. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." As my light shines for Christ, my girls will see my good deeds and praise the Lord - with their words and with their lives.
It's sooo true......, Actions speak louder than words!!! "The foundations of character are built not by lecture, but by bricks of good example, laid day by day." -Leo B. Blessing
Lord, help my each step, my every breath and my fast moving mouth be a good example for my girls. And, may that example always come from a heart that is willing to keep looking to you for guidance and strength. Amen!
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