Today on MoneyLife with Chuck Bentley
Monday, November 9, 2009
Biblically Responsible Investing
The issue in the UK is that the political parties there are all saying banks make too much money. The debate is really about what is the best economic model – capitalism, socialism, or communism. We believe the best economy is God’s Economy which is built on God’s financial principles. There's no conflict with businesses making money if it’s done ethically. Businesses make a contribution to society by being good at what they do. That’s one of the principles of God’s Economy. We'll talk more about that in upcoming programs.
Rusty says the most important principle is to do what the Lord wants you to do, invest as Jesus would. Investing is a part of how God wants you to handle money. We want to invest in a way that honors the Lord. Bringing this area under God’s authority should be another way to enhance your relationship with the Lord. Socially responsible investing was started by Christians in the 60’s and 70’s. Investors were concerned about being a good steward of the environment and ending Apartheid in South Africa. The movement was taken over by secularists, and became supportive of socially liberal causes and was no longer concerned about moral values.
Some investment advisors have even mistakenly directed Christians to such investments, not knowing its current state. There is no perfect company. Iinvesting can’t be done perfectly. You do the best you can. Seek to invest in a way that honors God. Look for companies that are producing something that is helpful to mankind, something that brings man closer to the Lord, not something that leads him astray. Avoid companies that are involved harmful products and services like the abortion industry for example. You want to invest in companies that treat their employees well. Many companies would qualify. It takes research to know if companies are biblically responsible. The average person can’t do it on his own. Rusty has created a company to investigate other companies, to act as a central source of information. That information is made available to others. Most listeners probably have investments that aren’t biblically responsible. If you’re convicted about it, pray and ask the Lord for help, to show you how to make changes. Stewardship Partners will help investors with portfolios of $100,000 or more align biblically. There are biblically responsible mutual funds for smaller investors. As more Christians take advantage of those funds, more biblically responsible funds will be developed. Investors should look for biblically responsible funds that perform well. The two concepts aren't mutually exclusive. Biblically-minded investors shouldn’t have to accept poor performance. Investors should always focus first on their relationship with the Lord and how He wants you to invest. Investors can influence companies for the Lord. Thomas Strobar, the Chairman of Life Decisions International, www.fightpp.org has forced companies to their face Planned Parenthood support and gotten many to withdraw it. Take advantage of the choices you can make for God's Kingdom. If you have the option to direct funds to biblically responsible investing, you should. The Crown Reunion is coming up. It's a time of fellowship and worship with people from around the world. We'd like you to be part of it. We want to stimulate a movement at the grassroots level to serve others and share with them about God’s Economy. Come and become equipped to be a champion of this message in your areas of influence. We need people to get involved and make a difference where they are. The Reunion will be great time of rest and relaxation, and some surprises too. If you come, let me know you’re there, introduce yourself to me. I'd love to meet you! The Crown Financial Ministries Reunion will be held November 19-22, 2009 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, NC. the deadline for registration deadline is November 12. |
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InvestingInvesting isn’t simply multiplying and storing assets without purpose. |
Why InvestThrough God’s providence, He provides wealth from investing to many. Why? So His people can exercise giving in order to meet the needs of others. |
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How to Make the Right Investing DecisionsMany people today are finding it increasinly difficult to know which is the right step to take in their investing decisions. |
The Five Tier SystemThe suggested five-tier system can provide some guidance for getting started in an investment strategy. |
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Other Resources: |
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The argument about whether it's evil for businesses to make a profit isn’t just happening in the United Kingdom.
Our guest today is Rusty Leonard. Rusty is CEO of Stewardship Partners, which is committed to helping Christian investors align their portfolios with a Biblical worldview.
