By Eric Boyum, AAMS®, CKA® a financial advisor with Inspire Advisors
What if your investments could be more than just numbers on a spreadsheet? What if they could reflect your faith, glorify God, and make a real difference in the world? Yes, it’s possible—and it’s called Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI)!
Let’s dig in with a little humor and a lot of inspiration.
What Is BRI, and Why Should You Care?
First, let’s tackle the big question: why does it matter where your money goes?
Because every dollar you invest tells a story. Think of it as a vote—you’re voting for the kind of world you want to live in. 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That includes your financial decisions! Therefore, every financial decision is a spiritual decision.
Biblically Responsible Investing takes faith and finances and weaves them together like the perfect parable.
The Three Guiding Principles of BRI: Endorse, Engage, Exclude
Let’s break it down with an analogy. Imagine your investments are like a dinner party. You wouldn’t invite just anyone over, right? You’d choose guests who align with your values and bring good vibes. BRI is like curating that guest list for your portfolio.
- Endorse: Invite the “good guests.”
These are companies making a positive impact—creating jobs, innovating ethically, and serving humanity. Think of them as the Good Samaritans of the corporate world. For example, a company that develops clean water technology for underserved areas embodies stewardship (Genesis 2:15).
- Engage: Be the host who nudges guests toward better behavior.
Engagement means opening dialogues with companies to encourage ethical practices. This might involve pushing for transparency or advocating for fair labor policies. Think of this as being “salt and light” in the corporate world (Matthew 5:13-16).
- Exclude: Politely decline those who clash with your values.
Exclusion keeps out companies profiting from practices like exploitation, addiction, or dishonesty. It’s like refusing to fund activities that harm your neighbors (Proverbs 14:31). If it doesn’t honor God, it doesn’t belong in your portfolio.
Would God Approve of Your Investments?
A few years ago, I had a conversation with Robert Netzly, the founder of Inspire Investments and Inspire Advisors. What he shared during our discussion left a lasting impression.
“Imagine you’re sitting across the table from God,” Robert said, painting a vivid picture. “You’re explaining your investment choices to Him, and you start enthusiastically:
‘Lord, look at this portfolio! On this investment, I made 6%—it’s tied to abortion providers. On another, I earned 18%—thanks to a company profiting from pornography. And here’s one supporting organizations that promote ideas contrary to Your Word. Aren’t You proud of my financial savvy?’
Now imagine God looking at you with sadness, shaking His head, and saying, ‘No.’”
That mental image hit me like a ton of bricks. Would I ever want to stand before God and justify funding things that go against His heart, His will, or His character? Of course not!
This isn’t just about achieving impressive financial returns—it’s about stewardship, faith, and aligning our earthly resources with eternal values. Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” That includes how we invest the resources He’s entrusted to us.
The question is simple yet profound: if you wouldn’t present your investments to God with confidence, why continue funding them?
Let’s be honest—none of us want to look back and realize we bankrolled what grieved God’s heart. Instead, wouldn’t you rather stand before Him and hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21)?
BRI challenges us to think beyond the bottom line and consider the eternal impact of our financial decisions. It’s an invitation to honor God in every aspect of life—including our investments.
The Financial and Spiritual Rewards
Investing responsibly doesn’t mean sacrificing returns. In fact, studies show that values-based investing can perform just as well, if not better, than traditional portfolios. Plus, the spiritual reward of knowing you’re stewarding God’s resources wisely is priceless (Matthew 25:21).
As John Wesley once said, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” Biblically Responsible Investing embodies this principle, helping you earn with integrity, save with purpose, and give with joy.
Ready to Start?
Let’s face it—money talks. The question is, what story is yours telling? Is it a story of faith, integrity, and purpose? Or is it funding industries that contradict your beliefs?
If this blog has sparked something in you, now’s the time to act. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, a Biblically Responsible portfolio can honor God while building financial growth.
What I Want You to Remember:
- Your money is a tool, not a master. Use it to glorify God and serve others.
- BRI aligns your investments with your faith. It’s not just about returns; it’s about redemption.
- You can make a difference. Every dollar you invest can reflect God’s love and light in the world.
So, are you ready to glorify God through your finances? Let’s build a portfolio that honors Him, inspires you, and blesses others!
Invest with Purpose
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Investments that Inspire, Advice that Elevates. Let’s align His money with your mission today! Stop funding the war waged against you!