A Message to Our Children

I gave you life, but I can not live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I can not make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I can not always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I can not account for it.
I can take you to church, but I can not make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I can not always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I can not make you lovely inside.
I can offer you advice, but I can not accept it for you.
I can give you love, but I can not force it upon you.
I can teach you to be a friend, but I can not make you one.
I can teach you to share, but I can not make you unselfish.
I can teach you repsect, but I can not teach you honor.
I can grieve about your report card, but I can not doubt your teachers.
I can advise you about friends, but I can not choose them for you.
I can teach you about sex, but I can not keep you pure.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can not build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can not say NO for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can not prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can not achieve them for you.
I can let you babysit, but I can not be accountable for your actions.
I can teach you kindness, but I can not force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I can not make your morals.
I can love you as a daughter or son, but I can not place you in God’s family.
I can pray for you, but I can not make you walk with God.

— The Rev. Dr. John L. Hines