Making Financial Investments that Honor Christ
Imagine giving your teenage daughter $100 for her birthday, encouraging her to have fun, stay safe, make good choices, and be home by curfew. She thanks you warmly, hugs and kisses you, and heads out with her friends.
But when she returns hours late, her hair is dyed a wild color, she has a nose ring and a fresh tattoo, and she’s wearing a revealing outfit. On top of that, she’s vaping something that smells suspiciously like weed.
How would you feel? It’s not just about whether her choices were inherently “bad,” but the fact that she deliberately used your money to go against your expectations, knowing you wouldn’t approve.
Now think about how God might feel when we use His money to invest in companies that harm His creation. Here are some verses that reflect God’s perspective on this:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” Proverbs 11:1
God expects us to earn money justly. Our investments should not support companies that exploit others, damage the environment, or engage in unethical practices. Scripture makes it clear that dishonest and corrupt business dealings are detestable to Him.
“When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death.” Exodus 21:28-29
We are accountable for our investments. If a company is causing harm, we have a responsibility to withdraw our money, even at a loss. Some major tech companies, for example, have profited from pornography, which fuels human trafficking and sex slavery. No one should want to profit from such evil.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48
As American Christians, we are blessed with significant financial resources by global and historical standards. With that blessing comes responsibility. God will hold us accountable for how we use what we’ve been given — both the good we do and the harm we may cause.
Practical Steps for Christ-Honoring Investments
Investing today is more complex than it was in biblical times, but God’s principles still apply. Here are a few practical steps to guide your investments:
- Build a Solid Portfolio
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- Create a well-structured portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
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- Screen Your Investments
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- Evaluate your holdings (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc.) against biblical values. Tools like the Inspire Insight can help identify companies misaligned with Biblical guidance.
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- Refine and Replace
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- After screening, refine your portfolio to ensure it remains balanced and aligned with your values and goals.
A Heart Shift
Ultimately, making Christ-honoring investments requires a shift in your heart. Trust God, not your money. Your identity is in Christ, not in success, security, or status. Recognize that everything belongs to Him, and you are merely a steward.
Use your finances as a tool — to be generous, enjoy life, and earn a profit — all for God’s glory. Let your investments reflect His love, justice, and righteousness.
Author: Chris McAlpin is the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Sound Financial Group Strategies in Madison, MS. He and his family are active members of Colonial Heights Baptist Church.
