When lecturing my kids about something, if a disagreement came up, I deflected to "do as I say, not as I do."
It was a Mormon mom technique I picked up growing up in the Morridor. It seemed funny as a child. Now I see it in a more serious light. Did my kids take me seriously?
More to the point, did I really mean it?
Consistency is important, is how I figured it. Even if it sounds inconsistent, it was my way of letting my kids know I was still in charge, was their mother, and took a stand where their welfare was concerned. Even if it didn't always make sense to them.
Had the memorial service for my dad this last weekend - he died some 8 weeks ago. Converted now uber TBM sister gave a tearful eulogy including one time on a back pack trip many many years ago she was struggling with her pack and started crying as she could not carry it anymore. Dad offered and carried it rest of the way that day. Family was everything for him.
Forward 15 years after she had converted to LD$ - Dad - you are not good enough to attend my wedding in the temple.
The morMon scriptures, like the pears of great prices, the doctors covenants, the lds bible & the book or morons. The author J. S., Jr. did one thing but figured others should (have to) do another [ie: live "clean", virtuous lives].
Nauvoo period when JS and crew were knee deep in polygamy but loudly proclaiming that no such thing was being practiced, and even publicly trashing the reputations of those who told the truth.
The gap between "Do as I say/do as I do" was rather wide.