Sock Stealer

As I sat on the bottom steps to put on my shoes and socks, as I often do, I noticed one of my socks "disappeared." "ANNIE!" I shouted. Annie is our golden retriever...and chief sock stealer. She pulls socks out of clothes baskets, gym bags, and from unsuspected folks putting on shoes and socks on the stairwell.

As I stood up to go after her, I noticed my missing sock. I had some how managed to sit on it, and I had it all the time! "You blamed Annie, and she didn't even do it," my daughter and Annie's #1 fan exclaimed. She was right. But it offered a chance for a teaching moment.

When you are characterized by a certain behavior, whether good or bad, people will assume it from you. When people know you for having good character, they don't believe otherwise. However, once you become known for a bad behavior (sock stealing, for instance), when socks turn up missing you get the blame, even if you didn't do it! You only get one chance to build your character, and once it's built badly even when you "re-build" it, it takes a long time for folks to see the new you.

This isn't a "life sentence" for those who have started out on the wrong sock foot. The great thing about God is that even bad characters can receive grace and forgiveness if they truly repent. You'll have to be patient, however, as mere mortals will need more time to trust in the new you. But time can and will show your true character.

Let your good behavior shine so that people can see God through you. Then people will no longer consider you a sock stealer, and when it comes to good character, you'll be a shoe shoo-in.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16