”When I saw, though, that their behavior was not true to the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all of them, ’Since you, though you are a Jew, live like the gentiles and not like the Jews, how can you compel the gentiles to live like the Jews?’ ”
– Galatians 2:14

I’ve heard the phrase ”do as I say, not as I do”, but I know that my children (and I’m sure most children, for that matter) follow the philosophy of ”monkey see, monkey do.” Being a mom is the best job in the world. It is also the hardest job in the world. Not to mention the most tiring job in the world. Being a temporary single mom (when my husband is training or on a deployment) makes it that much harder. The Lord is definitely teaching me patience (and which battles to pick).

This verse really touched my heart. Paul saw that Cephas was not acting in accordance with the scriptures. God’s word is a big measuring stick. However, if I want my prayers for Timothy and Joanna to be heard and answered, then I need to begin with myself. Timothy and Joanna will learn from watching me. If I want them to have the sweet Holy Spirit in them, then I need to make sure to show the sweet Holy Spirit to them. If I live like the world, then I can’t expect my children to live according to God’s laws. It starts at home.