I can share your life, but cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to worship, but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you lovely inside.

I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to be a friend, but I cannot make you one.

I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you to respect, but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can grieve about your report card, but I cannot doubt your teachers.

I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.

I can teach you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation.

I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say NO for you.

I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.

I can let you work, but I cannot make you responsible.

I can teach you to obey, but I cannot be responsible for your actions.

I can teach you kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make your morals.

I can love you as my child, but I cannot place you in God’s Family.

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Him you Saviour.

I can show you faith, but I cannot make you trust in Christ.

I can teach you about prayer, but I cannot make you pray.

I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you Eternal Life....

The above article could be called a gospel of common sense. I thought you might like this selected bit of wisdom.

– Max Patterson, 4438 South 89^th Road, Bolivar, MO 65613-8012