am I practicing?

We heard a good message at church today. It was about Godly parenting. Now that our three are grown and on their own, most of our parenting is done. But there have been and will be teachable moments in the time I spend with my grands. The sermon included a story that made a powerful point that is applicable to all Christians.
The pastor, Allen, said when he was a boy, his dad took him and his older brother to stock car races. Children under the age of 6 were free. One night, just a few days after he turned 6, they went to a race. When his dad asked to buy tickets, he said "One adult and one child." The ticket seller looked at Allen and said, "What about him?' His dad replied, "He's 5 years old." Allen spoke up and said. "No Daddy. Remember I had a birthday. I'm 6 now." His dad frowned at him, told him to shut up and then said,"He's 5. One adult and one child." This happened before his dad was a Christian. Allen said nothing like that ever happened again after his dad was saved. But 50 years later, Allen still remembers the incident.
Why do you suppose it made such an impression? Well, his dad had told him about the importance of honesty, but when presented with the opportunity to show his son that he practiced honesty in his life, he failed.
How important it is that the life I live is consistent with the words I say. Not only as an example to my children and grandchildren but to all those who are witnesses to my life.

		"Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your Holy hill?
		He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart;
		and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman;
		who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts;
		who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken." Psalm15