I gave you life,
but I 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 church
but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong
but I can't 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 respect
but I can't 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 can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drink
but I can't say NO for you.
I can warn you about drugs
but I can't prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals,
but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you kindness,
but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins
but I cannot make your morals
I can love you as a daughter or son
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 your Saviour.

I can teach you to OBEY
but I cannot make Jesus Your Lord.
I can tell you how to live
but I cannot give you Eternal Life.