Do you remember the story about the little girl who wanted to wear dirty socks to school? Her mom sat outside begging, cajoling, ordering, and pleading with her to go put socks on before school. The little girl swung on her swing, explaining to her mother that she didn’t want to wear anything but her favorite blue (but very dirty) socks. Their conversation caught my attention, but there is more to the story.
As the exchange went on between mother and daughter, there came a moment when the little girl stopped her mom (and me) in our tracks. After once again stating that her blue socks were filthy, the mom explained to her daughter about why it was so important for her to go put socks on. “Your feet will get cold, and without socks there is nothing to protect your toes and keep them safe. You really need to go inside right now and put on some socks.”
The little girl tilted her head until her brown hair hung down around her elbow. “Then why don’t you have socks on?” Mom looked at her flip-flop clad feet and couldn’t think of a thing to say.
I don’t know whether the little girl put socks on that day or not. I do know that God used her question to remind me of another important truth. If I want others to be clothed with Christ, I need to check the mirror first.
“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” – I John 2:6
My Jesus Resolution today is to look in the mirror. It is easy to look at others and criticize how well they are reflecting Jesus in their actions, words, attitudes, and priorities. But growing into Christlikeness always begins by holding my own heart up in the light of God’s glory first. Before I complain, I need to confess. Before I exclaim, I need to examine. Before I rebuke, I need to repent. Before I judge, I just need to look at my own feet.
Casandra Martin 
Oh my — the moment of truth! When we must face the fact that it is easier to “tell” someone how to live their lives than to “show” them. Good post — thanks for the reminder.