Practice What You Preach

I can hear her now, "Anna, you better practice what you preach talkin' to your sister that way." That's mama getting on to me for telling Abby, the younger version of me, what to do. 

If you have a younger sibling then you'll immediately know what I'm talking about. For those of you only-childers out there, play along with me.

Having once been in her shoes just a few short years ago, I find myself more often than not trying to steer Ab clear from the temptations and mistakes I found myself making at her age. Some might say that's only natural, but deep down in my heart, I feel like the Lord has been telling me, "Anna, it is better for you to be an example rather than be a mother..." which she already has (and one of the best, I might add!).  But it's just so hard when you feel like you've got the answers to prevent the heartache from coming later on down the road. Insert my sometimes stubborn and controlling personality here.

But once again, the Lord knows what He's talking about here. My way of thinking, even with the best of intentions, is just down right wrong. At any time in life, we must not ask others to do things that we ourselves wouldn't do. Sure I want Ab to be better than I ever dreamed of being, but I cannot hold her to a higher standard that what I hold for myself. It's not fair. Insert poor example here.

By stepping out of the way, like I spoke about in my last post, and letting the Lord take control of our life... can we lead by example and better follow His commands. Only then can others see Him in what we do!

Gosh, what a weight is lifted off my shoulders as I type this! I don't need to try so hard to tell Ab what she should/shouldn't be doing. Rather I should simply wake up each morning, asking the Lord to take control of my life today and let HIM work in HER life through how He uses me in that day!

How wonderful it feels when things start finally clicking together!

Grab your Bible and read a bit of Matthew 23. I want to highlight verses 3 & 4.

So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.

Let's remember these verses when we go out into the fields and harvest God's crop. Be the example to those you love by remembering to let the Lord take control.

Father, help me to lead by example. I don't want people to fall away from You because of my poor leadership. Teach me and guide me to follow the best example of all, You. Thank you for your love and willingness to take control over my life. -Amen.

Until next time :)
-A