For most people, investing is simply done for the sake of acquiring more wealth. For Christian’s, this is setting the bar very low. We should view investing as an opportunity to support businesses and endeavors that promote the betterment of our world.

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more”. Luke 12:48.

Those of us that have money to invest are entrusted by God to do what is right by investing well and choosing businesses that truly improve our world, promote social awareness or provide for the common good.

A Higher Purpose

True wealth goes much beyond than the money in your bank account. It is the relationships we nurture, the ideas we create and share, and the values that we support. Seeking money as a way to have security is one thing, but rising high above those around you financially is unnecessary.

Christian investors that want to be socially responsible should look beyond the potential payout of an investment opportunity. We should seek companies that provide a service or product that adds to our world and does not take away more than it gives back to the world. We should support companies that do good.

Investing With Integrity

Many companies now give out grants to various charitable organizations, promote contests for financial prizes for start up ideas that build stronger communities and overall work hard to provide a supportive work environment for their employees. FaithWorks Financial, for example, donates 10% of fees earned through our debt settlement program to the church of our clients choice. Even companies that do not publicize themselves as Christian organizations do a tremendous amount of good in our world.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, some companies will do whatever they can to make a profit. They will cut costs, cut staff pay, understaff, even at the cost of worker safety.

It’s important to know what type of company you are dealing with before you decide to purchase shares or invest in that company in any way. When you invest in a company, you are supporting the company.

A Bigger Return

Tithing is an issue that may at first seem at odds with investing. After all, tithing is giving a percentage of your income to the church where you choose to worship. Traditionally the tithing percentage is 10% but this is difficult for many individuals and families today.

Tithing is investing. It is investing in the prosperity of the church and keeping the future of your chosen parish alive. Tithing is an investment in God, in worship and in the community that exists in your church.

Investing in small business through micro lending is another way that Christians choose to invest their money responsibly. In micro lending, a person requests funds to start up a business. Generally this person is working hard to get out of a life of poverty. The requests are modest. Each investor can invest any amount towards the total investment the person has requested.

Through a micro loan, an impoverished small business person is given the opportunity to get a business started that they would not have been able to do otherwise.

Once the micro loan is paid back by the business person, the money goes back to the investor with the opportunity to invest the money into the next request. Although this does not create financial gain for the investor, it promotes the Christian value of taking care of each other.

If you are blessed with a financial situation that allows you to consider investments, you have the privilege of helping to form a better world. Investing in a company based on more than dollars and cents will add greater fulfillment and meaning to your investments.