Which One Are You?

Have you ever heard the expression: “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”? Basically, it is a challenge to someone to prove they are sincere. Are they willing to show by their actions that they support what they advocate or say? It is akin to the saying, “practice what you preach.” Originally, it was the ideal to back up your words of support for a cause by putting down your cash – put up or shut up.

During efforts to find a way to combat Covid-19, the president had advocated the use of the drug hydroxychloroquine which has been used to treat malaria. Not only had he backed it up with money by buying stocks in the company which produces the hydroxychloroquine he is going to take the drug himself. Whether or not this ten day trial on himself will help in preventing the president for getting the coronavirus remains to be seen. However, it is a good example of “putting your money where you mouth is.”

The true origin of the saying dates back to 1881, when a similar phrase was found in the Methodist Episcopal Church Year Book. This saying calls for people to “put their money where their faith is.” Perhaps, some congregants were not contributing to the church in a way which sincerely demonstrated the level of faith they professed. Unfortunately, many “church going” people are still living in sin. Many people are simply pretending to be righteous. However, there are some who are genuinely trying to do the best they can. Consider the following poem and determine which one represents you.

Two men come to worship
and bow down in prayer.
The one does it daily,
the other’s prayers are rare.

Two sisters finally believe
not to let their tongue slip.
The one will do her very best
the other gives in to gossip.

Two Christians give a smile
showing love in their heart.
The one because its real
with the other its an art.

Two men study the Bible
for God’s will to know.
One does it for wisdom,
but the other for show.

Two sisters say they choose
Their clothing with great care.
One does it modestly
the other goes almost bare.

Two brothers are aware
through all trials they must do right.
The one strives all day long,
But the other gives up at night.

Consider each one of these.
Which do you represent of the two?
The one is but a fake,
But the other one is true.

Jesus warned that some would practice righteousness merely to be seen by others. “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4). Remember, Jesus is able to know and detect those who are being hypocritical. He said in Matthew 23:14, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.”

— Daniel R. Vess