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I gave you 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 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 cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes,
                  but I cannot make you beautiful 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 share,
                  but I cannot make you unselfish.

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

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

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

I can tell you about the facts of life,
                  but I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drinking,
                  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 tell you about kindness,
                  but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins,
                   but I cannot make you moral.

I can love you as a 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 Jesus your Lord.

I can tell you how to live,
                   but I cannot give you eternal life.

Last Updated: 03 July 2003