Investing, from a Christian’s Perspective
As a financial advisor, investing is one of the most common topics I discuss with clients, a core of our business.
The question: How should we invest to meet our financial goals? From a Christian perspective, this process is rooted in wise stewardship.
Investing for Financial Returns
I want to start by referencing the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25. In the story, the master gives his servants talents (money) and expects them to use them wisely. Two of the servants invest the money and double it, while the third buries his in the ground. The message here is clear: we’re called to make our resources work for us, to invest wisely and create a return.
This is what investing is all about—taking what we’ve been given and growing it.
In 1 Timothy 5:8, we’re reminded of the importance of providing for our families. This means investing is part of God’s plan for us to be good stewards of the resources He’s entrusted to us.
As we look at different ways to invest, there are many questions, especially about what companies we should invest in and whether they align with our values.
One option gaining traction is faith-based investment funds, such as faith-driven ETFs or mutual funds, which only invest in companies that align with Christian principles. While I admire these funds, it’s often hard to achieve a truly diversified portfolio when investing solely in this way.
Here’s where the biblical principle of not being unequally yoked becomes relevant. When partnering with others, especially in investment management, it’s essential to work with people who share our values.
Our portfolio managers are Christians who share a commitment to good stewardship. The first conversation I had with the president of our investment firm, Mike Riccardi, was less about the technical aspects of investing and more about how we both viewed our role as stewards of God’s resources.
That said, we can’t expect every company we invest in to be fully aligned with Christian principles.
It’s a bit like shopping at large retailers like Walmart or Amazon. While I may not agree with every practice or policy they have, I sometimes have no other choice but to shop there. The same principle can apply to investing.
While we don’t want to partner with companies that promote values contrary to our faith, we can still invest in a multitude companies to generate returns.
The wealth of sinners is stored away for a righteous person. Proverbs 13:22b
Investing in the Kingdom
In addition to growing wealth for personal needs, it’s important to remember that as Christians, we’re also called to invest in God’s kingdom.
Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” Matthew 6:33.
his reminds us that while we invest in our future, we should also be investing in God’s work here on earth. This could mean supporting ministries, missionaries, or organizations that are advancing the Gospel.
One book that really resonated with me on this topic is Gospel Patrons, which tells the story of how some of the greatest works of the Gospel were funded by Christian business owners or wealthy individuals.
Paul’s ministry, for example, was funded by wealthy individuals who invested in God’s work.
So when we think about investing, we should not only consider how we can generate returns for ourselves but also how we can use our wealth to further God’s kingdom.
In summary, investing is part of wise stewardship, and as Christians, we’re called to invest our money wisely to provide for our families and future as well as investing in God’s kingdom.
Additional Resources:
Gospel Patrons
I love this site, these books. It is all about how God uses people’s abilities and their wealth to seek first Jesus’ kingdom. In fact, throughout history God has raised up business leaders and wealthy people to be personally involved, financially invested, partners in the spread of the gospel. Gospel Patrons and you could be one! https://www.gospelpatrons.org/
A few additional Scripture References:
He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true riches to you? Luke 16:10-11
Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit gathers it for him who is generous to the poor. Proverbs 28:8
Send your grain across the seas, and in time, profits will flow back to you. But divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead. Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Corinthians 9:6
She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. Proverbs 31:16
