As Christians, we are called to be good stewards over the money and wealth with which God has provided to us.
So before we consider investing in stocks, we must find out if it is within God’s will!
Is investing in stocks a God-honoring way to grow our finances, or is it really being careless with God’s money?
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What Is Investing In Stocks?
What Investing Is Not
Investing is not the same as gambling! This is actually where a lot of Christians develop a fear of the stock market. Most people who make this assumption do so either out of fear or ignorance. Some are fearful of investing because it seems so complicated, so they assume that no one can understand it and so everyone must be gambling! Others just don’t understand the mechanics of investing, or how much information is available to the common investor. It is beyond the scope of this article to catalog all of the ways in which investing is not gambling. Visit here to learn if the trading websites are legal and licensed.
True investing is not a “get rich quick scheme”. The bible is full of warnings about rushing to make money without any effort such as Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
However, the concept of investing is not about throwing your money after something that you don’t really understand, hastily and without a real plan.
What Investing Is
The basic idea of investing in stocks is this: To participate in and benefit from the growth and earnings of a particular company, through purchasing shares of ownership. When someone has extra money and they want to look for legal ways to make that money grow, that is considered investing. The stock market gives individuals the unique opportunity to profit off of the growth and ingenuity of some of the world’s largest companies!
Does Investing In Stocks Show A Lack Of Faith In God?
Now that we have taken a very brief look at what investing is and isn’t, we now must consider whether someone who invests is demonstrating a lack of faith. Matthew 10:5-11:1 is a common passage that is brought up whenever discussing planning for the future, and trusting in God. This is where Jesus sends out his 12 Apostles to preach His word, heal the sick, and perform various miracles throughout Israel.
He gives them instructions on where to go, what to do, and dangers to look out for (and even uses this time to talk about future things). However it is Jesus’ instructions on what items to take along for the journey, that we want to take a look at now…Matthew 10:9-10 says:
Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.
As we see here, Christ was teaching them to trust in the Lord for all provision and care. This would be experienced through the kindness of those to whom they ministered in these various towns. They were not to take extra materials with them (planning for their future need), because God would work things out so that they would have all that they need!
This should be a great encouragement to us as believers because we know that God is able to provide for us no matter what our current situation may be.
However, there is something that we need to take notice of when considering this passage. First, Jesus’ words to the apostles were specific for this journey. We can see that from looking at His words to these same men in Luke 22:35-36
And He said to them, When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing”. And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one”.
He is now telling them to use normal means to provide for themselves (storing and planing for the future, buying, selling, etc), rather than just to go out with the bare minimum and count on God’s providence in a more pronounced way (as in the Matthew 10 passage).
This passage in Luke 22 is describing Jesus Christ’s last words to his disciples before he was crucified. He was giving them instructions on how to carry out God’s mission for them after His death. Therefore, it is clear that God was not condemning the concepts of investing, saving, and preparing for the future in Matthew 10, because he then instructs the disciples to make these concepts a part of their lives at the end of His earthly ministry.
So based on a proper understanding of God’s intention when sending the apostles out to preach, we can see that the ideas of investing and faith do not contradict one another.
Another idea that is often brought up is that of God’s general promise of provision negates the need to invest or plan for the future. In Matthew 6:25-33 we find these words:
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:25-33
…But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.
1 Thessalonians 4:10b-12
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
As we can see, God’s normal way of provision is to line up your abilities with someone who is willing to pay for those abilities, so you can work to support yourself. The ideas of God sustaining us and our human efforts go hand in hand. However, we must be certain to look to God not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these.
30″But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31″Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32″For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
As you can see, Jesus tells his followers not to worry since God will provide the basic necessities of life – if He does it for birds and flowers, He will surely do it for His children (those who seek after His kingdom)! However, this passage does not promote a sinful life of laziness, where we just sit around and pray and read the Bible, and food, money, shelter, and all of our other needs will just fall from the sky. Even the birds have to work to build nests, find food and care for their young, but ultimately, it is God who provides for them all.
God’s provision means a lot more than just raining down the things that we need without us doing any work for them. God oftentimes will provide for us by giving us the ability to earn money – for at all times for His sovereign will to be done in our lives!
Of course, there are more things that can be said about how those common verses that are used to teach that investing and planning for the future is equal to lacking faith in God, don’t teach that at all. However, I think that we’ve seen enough from God’s word to make that clear. Let’s move on to the main question at hand.
What Does The Bible Say About Saving And Investing?
The bible actually has quite a bit to say about investing for the future, but I just want to look at one main example and then give a few verses as well. Let’s take a look at the “Parable of the Talents” to see what God has to say about investing:
14″For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15″To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16″Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17″In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.
18″But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19″Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20″The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21″His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’
22″Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23″His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ 24″And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25’And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
26″But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27’Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28’Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
29″For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30″Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ~ Matthew 25:14-30
I believe this to be the clearest picture of investing what God has given us in order to bear fruit for His kingdom. The fact that Jesus actually uses money to illustrate this point, should be a clear indication that God has no problem with Christians who take the money that God has given us responsibility over, and wisely invests it! In fact, he expects it!
To be clear, this passage goes way beyond money and points to whatever talents and spiritual gifts we have. The point is that God expects us to use what He gives us, and it is, therefore, a sin to bury them in the ground and fail to use it. Because of our economic system, money is the thing that we use in order to sustain ourselves. In times of surplus, we are to give abundantly and invest and save for the future, so that in times of lack, we will have provision stored up for us!
This was true in Egypt when God led Joseph to plan to save 20% of the harvest for 7 years in preparation of the devastating famine (Genesis 41:33-36). We can also see it in the rebuke of the lazy man in Proverbs 6:6-11:
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no chief, officer or ruler, 8 Prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. 9 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”– 11 Your poverty will come in like a vagabond, and your need like an armed man.
Here are a few more verses about saving and planning & investing for the future:
Proverbs 10:5 – He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.
Proverbs 21:5 – The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.
Proverbs 24:27 – Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; Afterwards, then, build your house.
Luke 14:28-30 – For which one of you, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
1 Chronicles 22:5 – David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord shall be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore now I will make preparation for it.” So David made ample preparations before his death.
As you can see, God has a lot to say about planning and investing for the future.
Reader Questions:
- Why do you think the bible speaks about finances and planning for the future so often?
- Do you allow God’s word to impact your investing decisions?
I am not particularly religious so I have never even questioned this subject, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on investing in passive index funds that may invest in companies that may be in the gray area for Christians (like stem cell/abortion/same sex)
I think the Bible speaks so much about finance because it IS a big part of our lives, whether we like it or not.
As for investing in companies that don’t align with values, I think it’s a personal decision and that there isn’t one standard all Christians should follow. (I’d even note that obviously you don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy the personal value of investing in socially moral funds – it doesn’t matter your religious preference as long as the investment aligns with your convictions)
I personally do not like the idea of holding investments that are tied to companies that derive income from abortion, pornography, or gambling, etc. Can we keep from associating with any company that sells lottery tickets…no way. I’ll still be buying gas at the gas station that sell stuff I wouldn’t buy. The point is that I would just try to do my best to make my investments align with my morals, that’s all.
Good article Khaleef! Good follow up question Evan!
Does that mean you don’t hold index funds? The S&P has multiple makers of contraceptions (P&G)…gambling companies (IGT)…I think we might be safe on the pornography front.
Even the so called socially faith based funds are complete B.S.:
http://www.myjourneytomillions.com/articles/careful-attempting-faith-based-investing/
I am just curious how some people would come down on this topic…fantastic post from Khaleef
Hey Evan,
I think that is the big question when it comes to Christians investing. On the one hand, we should not seek to derive profit from blatant sin (such as investing in Playboy). However, it is possible to take this principle so far that it becomes impossible to do anything more than breathe.
As Fred stated below, if we take this to the extreme, we may have to avoid any store that sells cigarettes and things like that.
I think that ultimately, we have to follow biblical principles regarding not partnering or linking up with ungodly things, and follow our conscience regarding those things.
So, one person may not have a problem with an index fund, while someone else my choose not to invest at all.
This was a really helpful reply by Khaleef Crumbley.
However, I’m still unsure about my situation and I’d like if you can help me clear it up.
As a believer myself, I have been recently looking at areas to invest, one of the main reason of investing is to “yes”, see returns, make money, so you want to invest in a company that you’re sure you’ll probably be getting some good returns.
In my country Trinidad & Tobago, around the month of February or March there is a big annual occasion / festival called “carnival”, research if your not too sure about. Around this time Sales of Rum / Spirituous Liquor literally increase and spike sometimes by even 65% or higher, which is really high and good investing time for many investors. I have gotten the opportunity to invest in stocks / shares in a particular company, and without boasting quite a large amount as well.
My question to you is, as a christian / believer of Jesus Christ / Child of God, do you think a person such as myself should invest in such a company around that time or any christian for that matter, is it good for a christian to invest in Rum pertaining to that matter.
I really need some help with this one.
Thank You.
Greetings fellow brother in Christ, I believe you know the answer to your question, we must always take heed to the convictions of the Holy Spirit so we don’t grieve Him. God never contradicts Himself. He will never lead us to do evil(something He has spoke against) We must Always ask ourselves what does God say, then go to His word. Drunkardness is ungodly according to the word of God, so why would we support it? Don’t use Gods money to exalt the devil. Sure you’ve seen increase, that doesn’t make it good, satan is the god of this world and he loves to gain ground in the lives of the children of God. If I were you, I’d repent and stop that investment immediately and destroy all tares of the enemy amongst your seeds sown in Jesus mighty name.
Matthew 13:25
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Ephesians 5:18
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Galatians 5:21
Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
You raise a tough question Evan, one that I’ve struggled with to a degree. There are several strains of thought on this as far as I can gather. There are those who say people of faith shouldn’t invest in any companies that engage in questionable practices morally, including via index funds and mutual funds. They say it is possible to invest only in morally sound companies and still get a good return. Of course there are plenty of faith based mutual funds that have extremely high fees and poorer returns, but some people argue that it’s worth it.
Others say that this is nearly impossible to screen every investment – because just about any investment you could find could be questionable on some level – and that we just need to do our best not to directly involve ourselves with a company (like playboy for example) that sells something we know to be morally wrong. Now if we get some share of a company indirectly via an index fund – that’s ok, but that we shouldn’t directly buy stock in a company like that.
I’m still not 100% sure where I come down on this one, and I’ll admit I’ve struggled with it a bit. Hopefully some of the dialogue here can help clarify it for me.
Peter and Evan, I love this topic… The index fund question is a pretty tough one and very much depends on how you view index and/or mutual funds.
I don’t monitor my mutual funds’ investments for moral correctness, but I honestly can’t say why not (except time/laziness/etc).
A related question is do you patronize stores that sell things you don’t want. For example, do you avoid 7-11 because they have pornography behind the counter, or sell tobacco, or alcohol (in some states). Technically, by patronizing the store, you are supporting a store that could (and likely will) reinvest some of your profits into expanding businesses that you don’t agree with.
I think of mutual funds the same way… I am paying a mutual fund manager for his services with my money. While I have visibility into what he’s doing, I am not necessarily going to stop investing because a portion of something he chooses to invest in I disagree with. Now, if most of the mutual fund were invested in things I disagree with, I might feel differently.
I don’t want anything that I said to be misleading – I don’t follow or even question my investing choices, I was just curious if others who are more religious than I, did or did not.
This is a really good article.
As for the reader questions:
#1 I think some of the reason the Bible often talks about money and the future is because it is a common denominator among people of all ages, race, gender, etc.
We all have a future to think about, and money to manage to a greater or lesser degree.
#2 Personally I totally quit all mutual funds, because it is very difficult to not invest in companies that directly support or sell pornography, alcohol, abortion, homosexual agendas, etc. when you use mutual funds. I invest in individual stocks that have been screen for these issues. That being said, no company is clean from top to bottom, and all companies are impacted by sin at some level.
Yes, this is a very tough question. I still struggle with it, but this is the conclusion I have come to.
Totally enjoyed reading your post and pointed out things that as a beginner investor I would have overlooked. I pray and trust the Lord goes before me even in things such as investing.
This was truly a helpful article, and I appreciated the Scripture passages mentioned in support of preparing one’s self for the future through wise planning and investing, especially the passage from Matthew 25.
Great post Khaleef, and perfect for the BibleMoneyMatters.com.site. I do a monthly Investment Proverbs every month with a different theme.
Great dialogue.
To answer your first question, Khaleef, I think that the bible addresses the issue of money so often because money is the way that we work out our value and belief system. It is the only area of our life that we cannot fake because how to handle money reflects what we really believe and prioritize.
I’ve also been conflicted on morally responsible investing. I know that there are some great companies out there that do a great job of screening the companies that are invested in. Stewardship Partners (Rusty Leonard) is a company that comes to mind. Also I know that Jay Peroni, a frequent blogger, has great resources on the subject. So, all that to say that I know that serious investors who want a pure investment have a lot of good alternatives.
I think the point that others brought up in terms of maintaining a purity in your investments, but still supporting companies that promote an agenda that violates our values (buying gas at the station that sells pornography) somehow needs to be address so that we are not straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel.
For years, I have not thought about investing; however, I have inherited a small amount of money, and I would like to put it into something that would provide me income and be the safest, possible vehicle for the next twenty to twenty five years. I am turning 70 in January. Do you have any suggestions? I have been talking with my best friend’s son, who is a financial planner, but he is not a Christian. I was just wondering. . .
If he is a good person AND is good at what he does…why do you care if he is Christian or not? Seems very close minded and borders bigotry.
I care, Evan, because it is important in that the Holy Spirit leads Christians into all truth, and He also shows us things to come. These are very important decisions I am getting ready to make, and I do not want to do it without knowing what God wants me to do.
Maybe it is best explained through the Word itself–paraphrased, but with the passages acknowledged:
We who are of God–that is to say that we who know God–can hear with our spiritual ears what God has to say about a thing, but those that are not of God cannot hear spiritual things. Actually, this is how we know and recognize the spirit of truth VS the spirit of error–advice coming from someone who does not know God often speaks with the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6;
YOU SEE, people who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior cannot understand what God is saying in His Word because people who do not know Jesus cannot receive the Spirit of truth, or hear what He says, and they cannot see Him at work.
They do not know Him, so they cannot see Him or hear Him. But Christians do know Him because He actually LIVES IN US, and if you begin to see the wonder of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior–if you recognize that doing life is far too hard to do alone–you can turn to Him and ask Him to forgive you and be the Lord of your life, THEN, He will DELIVER YOU and HE WILL ALSO LIVE IN YOU–and THEN, you, too, can spend the rest of your time here on earth learning about the Kingdom of God–where you will THEN, one day, live forever with Him. You can THEN have the Peace of Jesus–regardless of what is going on around you. It is WONDERFUL! John 14:17 He gives you all the fruit of His Spirit: LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENTS, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, MEEKNESS, FAITH, & SELF-CONTROL.
When Jesus was raised from the dead (Easter), He was here on the earth for a time, and then He ascended to the Father, where He now sits on the throne of God at the right-hand of the Father, so He sent the Holy Spirit here to enter into the hearts and lives of Christians as a Comforter and Teacher. Jesus sent Him to us directly from the Father, and He is called “the Spirit of truth,” which comes directly from the Father and talks to us all the time about Jesus and the Word of God (Bible). John 15:26;
So–it is written in the Bible that when we become Christians, the Spirit of truth, comes, and He guides us into all truth. In addition, the Holy Spirit does not speak to us for Himself–for he does not speak of himself; but He speaks to us of whatever He hears the Father say–THAT IS WHAT HE TELLS US, and this is how God leads us INTO ALL TRUTH + this is also how HE LEADS US and ALSO how HE SHOWS US THINGS TO COME. John 16:13
Evan, after you hear a WORD OF TRUTH like this–if you decide to TRUST it and STEP OUT onto this TRUTH–ACCEPTING JESUS AS LORD of your life, then YOU TOO will be SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE, and you will be instantly transformed–NEVER TO LOOK BACK. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth. Ephesians 5:9.
I hope this helps you to understand why I want Christian advice before I make my financial decisions. I want to know what God is telling others, especially those who do financial planning for a living, and I want to see if it lines up with what I believe the Holy Spirit is telling me.
It just so happens that I dearly love the young man who is helping me. He has been like a nephew to me since he was a little boy–but my love for him–as strong as it is–cannot fill his heart and mind with the wisdom and knowledge of God–only Jesus can do that when we turn our lives over to Him and surrender trying to do life ourselves, and let Him live through us. It is GLORIOUS!
IMAGINE if a Jewish individual came on here and said I only work with other Jewish individuals I would guess that most people (especially with the antisemitism that is rampant in the world) would BUG out and say stupid things like “jews only work with other jews…and that is how they have the money.”
I am Christian but your reasoning still doesn’t make sense to me. You think that God is literally talking to these Financial Advisors and giving them what stock to buy? Come on.
Sir with all due respect to your opinion, which should be respected, what Shari Lee is sharing is both spiritually sound and theologically sound. It’s not “borderline bigotry” rather it’s a clear and legal choice based on her ability to spiritually discern the will of God in each others lives. You say you are a Christian, and then you followed it with a “but” followed by a disagreement. You seem irritated at her comment “but he is not a Christian” she did not mean to say the financial planner was not competent or anything like that, I think it suggested she would prefer a Financial Planner that can guide her based on biblical principles. As a Christian, you yourself would know we are one family and as such you would go to family first for any life advice, vice depending on a Financial Planner who is a stranger to you. We are called to pray for one another, not judge one another. I guess I took exemption when you stated she was narrow minded and borderline bigotry. I think those are strong charges from on Christian to another, a “true” Christian would repent of his/her actions, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Amen sister, only another believer, filled with the Holy Spirit could understand your investment strategies to the fullest. Makes me think of why so many woman prefer a female gynecologist. Can a male gynecologist do the trade, yes, but woman prefeer another that can relate the same by personal experience themselves, not based on text books and numbers in statistics.
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner and cannot do life myself. I have done many things that I know are wrong. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry, and I I ask you to forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me, Lord Jesus; I believe you came to save me because I am lost. I believe that You did for me that which I could not do for myself. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life, I give it to you. Help me to live every day in a way that pleases you. I love you, Lord, and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you.
Amen
Beautiful! Praise the King.
Evan,
I have tried the best way I know how to explain my position. I guess if you still have a problem with it, you had best discuss it with the Lord. He will, I am certain, make all things clear and known to you. I pray for you to have peace and joy in your life, and I wish you blessings and prosperity in your investments.
I’ve just started thinking through the issue of whether it’s OK to invest in funds that buy shares given that many of the shares will be in companies that produce things like pornography or abortion drugs. I think there is a real difference between buying from a company and investing in a company. When you buy something you are just buying one product – it’s just one transaction and you don’t really have an interest in the future of the company, but when you invest, the value of your fund is linked to the future success of the company and I think that does give you more responsibility for the products that the company is producing. Having said that I can see that if you buy from a company that produces things you don’t like you are enabling them to make a profit and produce more of the things you don’t like, but for some reason I still think there is more moral responsibility if you buy shares in the company.
Real Christians dont FEAR the stock market, we fear God, and he has given us discernment re: these issues. Christians should not even debate this foolishness about gambling, lottery, bingo, stock market, or any other methods of obtaining money by chance. Isn’t chance and anything to do with luck witchcraft!?? Yes!!! And if the stock market is ok, then why did ppl began jumping out of windows during the depression? Could it be the stock market was their God and it failed them? The God I serve doesn’t cause us to commit suicide. Proverbs says the blessing of The Lord, it maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow to it. So please wake up, this is just a sad excuse to do what we want to do!!!!!
I’m trying to really side with your position, but I admit I need to do more praying and research it a little more over. Based on your comments on “chance” and that it amounts to witchcraft, you mean to tell me that suppose anyone were fighting a legal claim (chance they may win or loose the claim) or apply for SSDI (chance they may win or loose the case) or were randomly picked to win a vacation trip to the Caribbean (which has monetary value) as part of a sweepstakes by their credit card bank, etc. that these things should be frowned upon as something ungodly and works of witchcraft? Could it not be a blessing in disguise from the Lord? should we be boxing in our Lord and limiting Him somehow? I agree that gambling is both a quick-rich scheme and dishonoring to the father, I am not so convinced with investing yourself. Were you aware that when you put money in a Savings Account you are actually investing? perhaps not in the same sense as investing in the stock market, but both depend on how the economy is doing? When you put money in savings account, you draw interests from your bank for saving with them over a designated time frame. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on these types of investment also I do want to say that just because one invests does not mean that one is not following Gods will in the service of his Kingdom.
Hi Herminio
I have struggled with the same issues as you.
It comes down to your heart and true motive
If you are intending to buy the stock market to get rich quick, not for long term investment and without proper and major planning, then it is Not from the Holy Spirit and be prepared to pay the price
But if you are buying at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, you will know to diversify and never to put all your eggs in the stock market knowing that 40-50% can be wiped out in the event of a major crisis.
It comes down to your heart and your Motive. If it doesn’t honor the Lord, don’t do it.
Coming from someone very familiar with the Bible and who works in Wall St. And, who has been through catastrophic losses and major blessings and has personally gone through the pain and suffering of the stock market.
Just want to add one more comment. As I forgot to on the last. The bible gave us ways to be blessed not just financially but in all areas of our lives. He said blessed is he that considerate the poor, The Lord will deliver him in time if trouble. He also said give and it shall be given…….. Why do we bypass all the scriptures about being a blessing to others and turn our noses up at the poor when God said that’s how we prosper??? David also said, ive never seen the righteous Forsaken, not his seed begging bread! yet we still come up with all these methods of how we are to be blessed, that are not of God , like considering the stock market instead of just doing what thus sayeth the lord, I’m done!!!!
Melinda. What you wrote resonated within me.
I’m in the business of buying and selling stock and I can safely say that 90% of those who play the markets lose money – eventually.
Those who truly make are those who buy blue chips during a major Recession and have the patience to hold for many many years. But as humans, how often do we have the patience?
The stock market is driven by greed and fear. Both are unholy. Greed the opposite of contentment and fear the opposite of worry. There is no doubt about it, even from the perspective of someone familiar with both the Bible and Wall Street.
What you wrote is so simple, yet so true. Thank you for reminding me of what God meant for us.
Sorry I meant greed the opposite of contentment and fear the opposite of not worrying – sermon on the mount to not worry
Shari Lee Beynon,
Psalm 1:1, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked”.
Melinda,
If you do not tithe, then your money is never blessed. A sinner doesn’t tithe and therefore would not know he shouldn’t jump out of a window. Using your logic I should never drive again because a sinner could hit me. I should never leave my house because sinners kill and get killed. What??
If you know ANYTHING about investing, real investing, it requires an enormous amount of mathematical skill and ability to evaluate economic conditions of companies and countries. A person who invests for a living trades knowledge and math skills and money to acquire his salary. I can understand some of your confusion because so many people think they can invest in the market the same as shoot basketballs or throw touchdowns, or do laundry, or cook. It is not something you just decide to do. It requires skill. What is your job? Should I show up at your work and proclaim it the devil? If you are doing manufacturing, are you not projecting that someone will purchase what you create? That is gambling, yes? You don’t know if anyone will buy it, but you are risking it on a shelf somewhere. If you are in sales, do you know who will buy the next product from you? Oh, so you are gambling that someone will buy something from you so you can pay your bills, eat, and live?? And most likely, if the organization is large enough, people have shares in that business and are gambling on YOU as to whether or not you will build or sell the product.
I suppose you should go on welfare to avoid all this gambling, oh, but that makes you a sluggard? WOW! What to do? What to do?
How many casinos have you seen with employees trying to figure out what bet to take next? None? How can you possibly compare capitalism to casino gambling or buying a lottery ticket? Do you know you are allowed to educate yourself and disagree with people who have told you wrong things? Do you know people shun things they don’t understand as being evil? Is Jesus therefore evil? because a whole lot of people don’t understand Him. You want to know the MAJOR difference between gambling and investing? When you gamble, the entire amount you risk is gone from you. You cannot get it back until the reason of the gamble has concluded. When you invest, you can withdraw, or add, funds to your risk at ANY time. If you think you made a mistake on an investment, close the risk. You cannot do that when you gamble. Gambling is “all or nothing”. This is how you know the difference. One requires continuous decision-making, the other is tossed and lost (unless you win).
It is time to mature Melinda. Break away from your “legalistic” life and listen to the Holy Spirit. The Bible says to prepare for your children and your children’s children. Are you saving money for them? Yes? Uh oh. That is investing. Or, according to you, gambling.
Even farming is investing!! After a crop is harvested it is stored until the farmer can sell his crop for a decent price. Where? In the market! You want to call that gambling too? Stop eating vegetables and meat!! It was purchased by gambling in the market…according to you. That gas in your car was bought the same way. Stop driving!! You are using gas purchased by gambling in the market…according to you.
Investing is a business. Capitalism is a form of distributing goods and services. Stocks are initially sold to raise capital for a business so it can establish itself or grow. The value of that stock increases or decreases based on the companies’ worth. It is not a sporting contest nor a game of chance. Hopefully you realize the difference now.
I am concerned about the people you associate with that have forced you to believe such nonsense. I cower to wonder what else you have been misled about?? Please do yourself a BIG favor and pray in the Spirit and you will get the enlightenment you seek. I sense you have been taught some over-the-top life lessons that were never properly delivered. Were you home-schooled? Perhaps you needed this type of instruction to guide your life, but please realize it is too strict and therefore invalid to the rest of us.
I only have one other question for you. If you are poor yourself, how many poor people can you help? How many can you feed? How many hospitals can you build? You asked about turning up noses, so tell me, how many poor people have you helped with your vast fortune that you will not invest??
Smile Melinda:) Jesus loves you:) He wants you to succeed. Your comments are testament to your passion for a true answer. You are completely free to choose right from wrong, and whether or not business is gambling. I guess you don’t hunt or fish either? You are “gambling” you will catch food. I hope you evaluate, rather than criticize, and I hope I have not embarrassed you. I only mean to help you grow, but my analysis to convey my point might be over-the-top:) Sorry.
I was born and raised in the Assembly of God church, and we were always taught to tithe. Personal I’ve searched all the scriptures regarding tithing, and I can’t find anything in the New Covenant saying tithing is a requirement for us for today. Tithing was a covenant between God and the Israelites, and we are no longer under the law. The new covenant says we are to give what ever we decide in our heart, you can give a little or you can give a lot, its totally up to you unless God specifically lays it on your heart to give more. We are definitely suppose to give, and even give sacrificially, but I just call it an offering.
The difference between farming and the stock market is that in the stock market, a human is more inclined to gamble rather than invest wisely in a Variety of blue chips patiently over the long term.
Tell me Demi, have you experienced a major set back for your portfolio during a major crisis? If not, you will know eventually that it’s not as simple as you had put it.
If you have and made it through, with the Holy Spirit, then your opinion stands
The Great Recession was largely caused by banks and financial institutions making bad bets on the housing market. It was nothing less than gambling. And any investor who was heavily invested in these financial vehicles probably lost a lot of money.
Besides bonds, that pay a fixed amount over time, there’s little else in the market that isn’t just like gambling in Vegas. People “short” stocks all the time…betting that the price of the stock will go up…or even hoping it will go down.
The idea that you are “investing in the future” of a company is fine for stocks that pose little risk…but most people aren’t satisfied with the small rate of return on those stocks and prefer and put their money in “riskier” stocks where the payout is greater because the risk is greater.
Neither gambling or the stock market is a moral issue with me. But for Christians who rail against Vegas and other forms of gambling…trying to whitewash the stock market as something that isn’t really gambling….is only fooling yourself into believing what you want to believe
I believe Christians have no business investing in the stock market, it is greed driven. Business has only one purpose, to make a profit. Business doesn’t care who it steps on or who it destroys. Here’s one good example. If your a Godly person and you invest in companies that send jobs over seas, to take advantage of slave labor, has children chained to machines, and if someone gets hurt or killed they just throw them out into the streets and go get another one, guess what, you just invested in a demonic enterprise. You put your seal of approval on it with your own money and your blessing. That piece of stock you own represents nothing more than a piece of hell on earth. I know the world says this is how you make money, but God says if you want to be apart of his kingdom you must come out of the world. I have a 401k, but I refuse to invest it in the stock market. Nowadays you will find it quite difficult to find a company on the stock market that doesn’t operate in this way. in the short run I may be hurt financially but in the long run I can say when I stand before God that I wasn’t deceived by greed. The stock is greed in its highest form, and greed is Idolatry!
As a young believer, when a youth leader was explaining Stock market as an investment to my Mom: she is not a christian and it is something that she thinks it is stopping her to know the lord because of trust and guilt of sin etc, the leader said it can be ok. I had a bad feeling i am not sure if i am being too critical or is it the holy spirit telling me that’s not the case, it feels like people are sugar coating the stock market as investment.
maybe it is for some but seeing the way my parents argue and buying keeping and eye on rise and fall. seems more like playing a game, just like gambling. i am not saying all people are the same. but i can’t see any justification for it.
i think there is otherways ways of investment.
I may have got the idea wrong about stock market please correct me if i have. i am trying to discern is it my stubbornness/judgmental eyes that is thinking this should not even be a good idea or is it the holy spirit from the lord telling me its not right?
as i don’t want to judge others Matthew 7 1-6
also a friend died in a car crash recently in an accident same age as me with bright future ahead he was a Muslim but not deep, i hope he saw and to know Jesus in his last moments since we had conversation about Jesus when the opportunities arises.
sure we plan for the future but for what? you wont even know if you will live the next day or not, to me the planning for the future is for Gods kingdom and how to be able to spread his word and share the gospel to other people because we already have everything and the only thing that we need which is Christ an every minuet I am here because of what he did on the cross, why do we still focus on this world and prepare for the future on the live that we have died too when we were Baptized we died to our old self. we live now to tell people about God every minuet, every breath is from him and if God wants me to go to him now I think its more than money/anything on earth can satisfy, the reason i am still alive is God still has a use for me to spread his words to others, like my mom, dad and brother and others that i will meet on the street or 1 off occasion. to plant a seed.
I don’t think that kind of prepare where people prepare how can live a comfortable life. but if the holy spirit is telling these brothers and sisters its fine then I shall not judge.
I don’t know why but all I read about stock market being investment is ok for a christian I really don’t think so and feel uneasy, it is me being close minded or is it God speaking to me trough the holy spirit. as a young christian this is really really important to know.
Thank you my brothers and sisters in Christ.
You raise some good points. So where do you invest your money if it isn’t going into the stock market? If you give it to your bank, coudn’t they also invest it in the market? There really isn’t many options at all for us. I think funds are a poor way to invest as there is a middle man between the market and the investor. So why not just choose stocks that don’t obviously profit in sin (pornography, bad entertainment, gambling, etc), don’t give to bad organizations (homosexuality, abortion, etc)? Then follow the news on those stocks so you know what they’re doing so if they change direction you can withdraw your support of them.
I am in the business of buying and selling stocks
I can tell you, most who play the stock market lose money eventually, unless they managed to buy top blue chips during a major recession and held on for years. Those who make are from Wall Street who make from other people’s money.
But as a young and restless person, do you have the patience to hold for such long periods? Most wont have the patience.
So you are right. It is the Holy Spirit felling you not to touch the markets. Speaking from a professional
Thank you for sharing this. Yes the stock market is greed crystallized in its highest and most global form.
You mentioned this, “ I know the world says this is how you make money, but God says if you want to be apart of his kingdom you must come out of the world.”
I can’t agree with you more. Even as someone who works on Wall St, I can certainly say that I am faced with temptation on a daily basis. It’s truly difficult to combat temptation when all my peers and clients are so deeply entrenched into the markets and I’m bombarded with new temptations each day.
By not investing your 401k, you will make it out better in the LONG RUN especially since you’re walking with God. The scriptures are clear on how God helps us to make money and it certainly comes into serious conflict with many strategies used on Wall St, which benefits only the bankers and not those who are actually investing – though in most cases, most bankers are completely Godless and they end up investing themselves. Those who live by the sword often end up dying by the sword during black swan events which are getting more common in this day and age.
Investing is a good way to make and lose money. If you don’t know what you are doing and keep an eye on your funds you can get scalped just like the indians did years ago. Investing has the connotation of getting something for your money but in actuality you can be devesting instead. As in devested of your money. Considering the state of financial affairs in America since Owebama became president (yes, the Repubs aren’t so hot, either) it is a wonder anyone has made any on their investments. I put my funds back into stocks, mutual funds and bonds in Dec. of 2014. Here it is a year and eight months later and I have lost around nine grand. Six of my original investment and three that were gained. I may be a bad investor but I only put half of my money in the “devestment” and the other money didn’t lose a cent. It has been a good education for me. Up to now I had never lost any money on any investment I made. I cut my loses and my advisor screamed and railed against it. I still have most of my money but I am DONE with the *&^$ idea of investments.
I am a couple years late to the discussion, but better late than never. Here is my two sense about this.
Chance – A possibility of something happening.
Hey Demi
I understand the points you made in your post, however there is one piece of the puzzle you left out. You are correct when you say “If you are doing manufacturing, are you not projecting that someone will purchase what you create?” yes you are taking a chance that the good or services that you produce/offer will be needed/bought buy customers, which, yes, you are taking a CHANCE. However, the bible does say that a man must use is talents to provide for himself (I’m paraphrasing here), which means what ever your talent/gift/trade/craft etc.. is, that is what you use to make your living. So I’m a songwriter, i write songs in hope that someone will buy them, I plant my crops in hope to get them sold at the market etc..
This is different from me buying a lotto ticket. Now to the matter of buying stocks. To better understand if it is right or wrong ( if we can determine that) we must break it down and understand each part.
1. Can buying stocks be considered a investment of chance?
2. Did I labor for it?
Based on the definition of “chance” we can agree, or disagree, that buying stock is a chance we are taking. I purchase $100 worth of stocks. 3 things can happen, my stocks can worth more, worth the same or worth nothing. So here in lies the chance, i am taking a chance that my money will grow, but there is a chance i can loose it all. If the market goes in you favor and you become a billionaire, did you labor for it… No.
I know that stick market takes a lot of calculations analysis and research and can be difficult even impossible to predict, but it all still boils down to chance.
I personally think the stock market is an investment of chance and thus, should not be entered into by christians, which is different from me putting my money in a fixed deposit account in the bank for 10 years. At the end of the day i am guaranteed to get back at least my initial principal, there is no chance of me loosing that. but with the stock market, in 10 years there is a chance of me loosing my initial principal.
My thoughts, having just inherited stocks from my mom, is the thought of making a profit off of someone else’s labor. As a worker in a well known factory, I see first hand many cut throat practices justified by the mantra, ‘we must make the stock holders money.’ It is the day to day laborer who makes a money making endeavor possible, yet the immense salaries given to the upper echelons while whittling away the workers health and livelihood benefits, are horrible common practices. I am not sure I want to participate.
Thank you for your perspective. It’s a valuable one! I do not want to participate either. Some things take a discussion to reveal. Not always black and white.
Great post. Thanks so much.
This was a good article.
I had stocks on the Robinhood and Stash apps, but I became very obsessive with both. I sold all of my stocks, and deleted the Stash app. I will be deleting the Robinhood app as soon as my money is transferred to my bank.
My job offers investment portfolios, so I took advantage of that. However, I didn’t want to take the high risks, so now I only have my IRA interest accumulation account, and the T.Rowe Blue Price Blue Chip Growth Portfolio as an investment. The T. Rowe account is a dividend account, which offers slow growth over a period of time, which is what this article stated. My only problem is this (it might seem silly, but I am concerned): the name “Blue Chip” was taken from the game of Poker. I don’t know anything about poker, but as the article I read stated that the blue chip in Poker was the highest card.
As a Christian, should I keep my T. Rowe Blue Chip account? I have prayed about it, but no answer yet. Thoughts?
I have read a lot of blogs and even bible and truthfully investing is complicated, the Bible spoke a lot on usury, in Deuteronomy 23:19 and even Leviticus, but investing in a fixed deposit or savings account in commercial bank is equivalent to usury because most bank gets their profit from debts . Are we Christians really sure God is talking about investing in bank in the real sense in the parable of the talent .Remember it is a parable it could mean another thing
Jesus’ parables often have a deeper meaning than what is literally present. So, why then, are you translating Matthew 25:14-30 so literally? I take the context of this parable to refer to the Gospel of Christ. Essentially, it directs us to take the good news, and to not bury it, but invest it by sharing it with others, showing compassion to widows and orphans, and caring for the Least, to build more disciples.
I think the more vital question on this topic is: “do you value your money and investments more than the God?” If you aren’t willing to walk away from your investments to serve God, then your God is money. If you personally know that investing money will damage your faithfulness to God, then you don’t do it. It’s as simple as that. Likewise, if your soul remains intact while choosing to invest to glorify God, then invest!
“And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matt. 5:30
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matt. 6:24
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” Luke 16-21
The Matthew 6:25-33 quotation is wrong. Either it was a typo and the article writer forgot to change the format after v28 or it is flat out wrong. These are good thoughts but don’t accidentally or on purpose say something is scripture when it is not.
The comments were better than the article. One point left out of both:
King James Version
16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Paul also says we are to invest in heavenly things so do we just poo poo away that verse away, Colossians 3:2 and according to revelation there will come a time we shall not be able to buy or sell unless we have the mark of the beast so what good will all those stocks have for those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast? Revelation 13:17, I believe the problem in modern Christianity is some of us act like this world is going to last forever and we have lost sight of whether we like it or not Jesus is coming again, and He has promised that he shall supply all our needs not wants. I mean we all have to make our own personal choices, but I believe God would rather us invest our means in furthering the spread of the gospel than investing them in companies that while they may be good in and of themselves do not help with getting the everlasting gospel spread to the whole world.