HYPOCRITE

Hypocrite? Guilty as charged!

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I want my kids to know what is right and often, especially in their eyes, I do not measure up to what I am saying.  What I am usually saying is what is RIGHT, and what I am doing is often LEFT up to interpretation.  This leaves my children with the feeling that they should do what I say because their conscience tells them so, but the ability to blame me for their disobedience and poor choices by pointing out how hypocritical I am.

I was very fortunate that when I was growing up, my parents gave me few of these moments.  Though they are saints, I did find something that I scolded them for when I was a teen.  I don't remember what it was today, but I remember my holier-than-thou attitude when yelled at them.  I have long since repented of my short sightedness.  My parents are indeed saints, and I was the one who needed to change.  I found that out later after having left home and again as I tried to raise my own children that things are not all that clear what must be done.  In fact, many times there are numerous ways to handle things--all of which will be twisted into some evil by a disgruntled child.

I look to God for my example, because I can think of no greater Father than He.  He was the perfect provider.  He even planned to pick me up when I fell.  He taught me both by example and yet left me free to make my own discoveries and decisions.  He was always there when I wanted to talk, but never interrupted me.  There were times when I could hear his whisperings, but I always had the floor to speak and think what I chose.  He did not make me comply, but the consequences of my decisions were always on me.  He even let me hurt others without stopping me.  He wept, He suffered, He died for me.

Through His power he brought life back.  First to Himself and then to thousands.  I will live again and so will you.  He will judge me for what I have done with my life.  That day will come as promised.  I pray that every hypocrisy in me reminds me of Him and who He says I may become.  I rely on Him to change my heart, my thoughts, my actions, my habits, my very soul.  May I always have others who will point out my hypocrisy and remind me, thereby, to repent.  May I be grateful for every word of criticism, that I may be humble before my maker and turn my heart to Him.