When most Christians think about stewardship, we naturally think of giving, tithing, or managing our household budget. But what about investing? Does God care how I invest His money or is that simply a financial decision left to personal preference or simply a means to enable our giving?

At Beacon Wealth Consultants, we believe the answer is clear: Yes, God does care how you invest. Notice that we said “His money”. Scripture reminds us that everything we have belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1), and we are called to be faithful stewards in every area including where and how we invest.
 

God Owns It All

The Bible consistently teaches that God is the true owner of our resources:

• “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
• “For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” (Psalm 50:10)

If God owns it all, then our role is not ownership but stewardship. Just as you would not carelessly manage money entrusted to you by your employer or a close friend, we cannot be careless with God’s resources. That includes the kinds of companies and industries we support through our investments.
 

Investing Reflects Our Values

Think about how you make daily spending choices. If you discovered that a favorite company was actually creating products or services that directly opposed your deeply held values, would you continue shopping there? Most of us would pause, if not stop altogether, because our dollars are a form of support.

In the same way, when we invest in a company, we become part-owners of that business. We share in its profits. We like to say that investing is like “praying with your dollars.” When you invest, you pray the company takes your money and uses it to grow their business and increase their profits. As an owner you then benefit from the growth and share of the profit.

If a company makes money from pornography, abortion drugs, addictive gambling, or other harmful industries, investing in it means our money is contributing to the growth of those activities.

That doesn’t sit well with most Christians once they think it through. And for good reason: Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That “whatever you do” includes investing.
 

What about mutual funds and ETFs?

Some argue that if you invest in mutual funds and ETFs then you are not an owner and so there is no moral dilemma for Christians. Something along the lines of: “Sure the mutual fund I own holds companies making porn or abortion drugs, but I don’t technically own them.”

Can you actually imagine yourself saying this to Jesus right to His face when you die? Do you think this would merit a “well done good and faithful servant?”

I don’t think this excuse will fly. While you may not own the individual companies in a mutual fund or ETF, you are still profiting from those companies’ activities.

Biblical Guidance for Investing

The Bible doesn’t directly address the modern investing we practice today, but it does provide principles that apply directly to investing such as:

• Stewardship: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2)
• Avoiding evil partnerships: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
• Seeking the welfare of others: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4)

Faith-based investing is simply applying timeless truths like these to modern financial decisions.

The Joy of Positive Impact

The good news is that we don’t just avoid harmful industries, we can also actively support companies making a positive difference. There are businesses creating life-saving medicines, developing clean energy, and building technologies that help individuals and communities to flourish. When we invest in them, we help fuel innovation, provide jobs, and support human flourishing, all while seeking a healthy return.

So, Does God Care How I Invest My Money?

Yes. Because it’s not your money, its God’s money. You are His steward, responsible for managing the money according to the owner’s priorities and values.

Yes. Because investing is more than a financial transaction, it’s a moral and spiritual decision. When we align our portfolios with biblical values, we not only pursue wise financial growth, we also honor the One who owns it all.

At Beacon Wealth Consultants, we’ve been helping Christian families and institutions pursue Biblically Responsible Investing for over two decades. If you’re ready to align your investments with your faith, we would love to walk with you on that journey.

Next Step

Want to learn more about the types of activities your currently profiting from in your portfolio? Request a complimentary portfolio screening today and take the first step toward investing with eternal impact.