Biblically Based Investing
The Bible says that we are to be good financial stewards of the resources God has given us. For some, good financial stewardship may mean investing in the stock market. In layman’s terms, investing is putting money into assets and hoping that it will grow. If you choose to invest in the stock market, then you are also choosing to take part-ownership in the company or companies that you’ve invested in. Therefore, it is important to pray about what your “boundaries” or “limits” are before investing in a specific company. Publicly traded companies are not compelled to follow specific standards or morals; some companies choose to invest in tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and other principles that may conflict with your morals and beliefs. That’s where biblically based investing comes into play. Biblically based investing is when an investor seeks to solely invest in companies that abide by biblical principles. Choosing to invest in biblically based funds does not mean you’re forfeiting wealth; rather, it means you’ve selected to invest in companies that have a strong focus on where their wealth is acquired.
Now the question we, as Christians, must ask ourselves is this: Are we solely to invest in companies where we know what the funds are being used for? In essence, is it sinful to invest in a company that may go against our morals and biblical principles? Although there may not be a right or wrong answer, the concept is thought-provoking and should be brought before God in prayer. Regardless of Christian beliefs, it is the duty of the individual to decipher whether it is right for them to invest, and it is wise to conduct research on a company before investing financial resources.
Below are steps I would encourage any investor to consider before investing:
Pray
Hand control of your investments over to God. Pray for wisdom and discretion on what companies you should invest in.
2. Research
Complete research on a company that piques your interest. That research may consist of learning what the company represents or simply knowing the company’s financial positioning. Knowledge is power and both areas of research can and should factor into your investment decisions.
3. Commit
Once you purchase the stock, know you are in for the long haul unless you have made a return that you cannot turn down. This decision to commit will take patience and prayer. Gaining discernment from God on what you should do is always wise.
4. Glorify
Yes, the end goal of investing is to grow your wealth. However, how you use that money once you have earned it is another significant factor. Lean into God’s calling and do what you think best glorifies Him.
The cornerstone of biblically based investing is rooted in trust and faith in God. He provides us with information, and I challenge you to do the work in order to honor and glorify Him.
(Excerpted from an article by Nathan Burk at ronblueinstitute.com)
Faith & Finance Perspective:
When you’re in your prime earning years, you’re faced with many financial decisions. What will you do with the income God has provided? Conventional wisdom says exponentially growing your income is an indicator of success – regardless of how you grow it. As believers, however, success should look different. How you grow your income matters. What you invest in matters, and investing with organizations that have a Kingdom focus is an easy way to align your finances with your faith.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. - Proverbs 3:9-10