In today’s fast-paced and often profit-driven investment landscape, Christian investors are called to approach their financial decisions through the lens of biblical stewardship. This perspective does not oppose wealth or investment, but it redefines their purpose: to serve God, love others, and steward resources faithfully. At the heart of this approach lies a clear focus on what matters most—honoring God—and the courage to strive for excellence in our actions.
Understanding Biblical Stewardship
Biblical stewardship begins with the understanding that everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” We are not owners but stewards—managers entrusted with God’s resources to use them for His glory. This means that our investments, like every other area of life, must reflect our commitment to God’s purposes.
Jesus reinforces this in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), where servants are entrusted with their master’s resources and are judged according to how faithfully they manage them. The ones who acted wisely and diligently were praised, while the one who buried his talent out of fear was rebuked. This parable teaches us that God values initiative, accountability, and fruitful labor. Investing, then, becomes an act of worship when aligned with godly principles.
Identifying What Matters Most
In a world that often equates success with wealth, Scripture invites us to redefine what truly matters. Jesus taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Christian investors must ask: Am I investing in a way that reflects kingdom values? Am I supporting industries or businesses that honor human dignity, care for creation, and operate ethically?
When we align our investments with our faith, we practice what theologians call “integrated living”—where faith is not separated from finances, but infused into every decision. This means choosing to support ventures that promote justice, sustainability, and human flourishing, even when the financial return may seem less certain.
Courage to Strive for Excellence
Investing through a biblical lens also calls for courage—the courage to resist greed, to act with integrity, and to aim for excellence even when no one is watching. Colossians 3:23 urges believers, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Excellence in stewardship is not about outperforming the market, but about being faithful with what God has entrusted to us.
Excellence also means diligence. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Christian investors are called to be thoughtful, informed, and wise—understanding both risks and rewards, while entrusting the outcome to God.
Conclusion
Biblical stewardship in investing is not merely about financial growth; it is about aligning our resources with God’s will. When we identify what matters most—God’s kingdom, His justice, and His glory—and pursue these with excellence and courage, our investments become a testament to our faith. In doing so, we echo the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
In every financial decision, may we strive to hear those powerful words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)
I leave you with two questions: If you were currently invested in companies that supported worldly causes that did not align with your closely held beliefs, would you want to know? If yes, would you have the courage to remove them from your investment strategy? Allow our ministry to provide you with that detail as a free gift.
Michael Wallin, Certified Financial Planner ™. For more information, please see www.panthrex.com or call 615-236-2220.
