What you are speaks so loudly it drowns out what you say.
Psychologists who study these things tell us that our children learn more from what we do and how we act than what we tell them.
We get passed aggressively while driving. The car gets around us. We notice a couple of bumperstickers proclaiming “Jesus Saves” and “Follow Me to Church.” We think, “If that’s Christian, I don’t want any part of it.”
I’m reading an early 18th century book on the life of Brother Lawrence. He was a monk in the late 17th century renowned for his walk with God. The book is Practice of the Presence of God.
As Brother Lawrence had found such an advantage in walking in the presence of God, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger inducement than any arguments he could propose. His very countenance was edifying, such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it as could not but effect the beholders.
Reflecting upon such spiritual examples convicts me of my social shortcomings. When did I say something unkind? When did I fail to ask and then listen? When did I grab something at the buffet before someone else could get it? When did I ignore someone when I could have said a kind word?
Faith Venture 
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