When you toss a stone into a pond, ripples spread far beyond the point of impact. One small action creates movement that touches the entire surface.
That’s exactly what happens with our financial choices. Every dollar we spend, give, or invest sends ripples into the world around us. And when we choose to align our money with God’s Word, those ripples don’t just touch this world—they extend into eternity.
Faith-based investing isn’t just about personal conviction. It’s about cultural transformation. It’s about creating a ripple effect that changes everything.
The Myth of Neutral Money
The world often says, “Money is neutral—it’s just a tool.” But that’s not entirely true.
Money carries moral weight depending on how it’s used. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Money will either reflect allegiance to Christ or allegiance to self.
When we invest in companies that profit from abortion, pornography, addictions, or exploitation, we’re not neutral—we’re complicit. When we invest in companies that honor God’s design, create good products, and bless communities, we’re endorsing righteousness.
There is no neutral. Every dollar is a ripple.
Ripples in the Marketplace
Faith-based investing creates ripples in the marketplace.
- Endorsement ripples: When Christians invest in companies that align with biblical values, those companies gain strength, credibility, and capital to expand.
- Engagement ripples: When shareholders advocate for better policies, businesses shift practices, improve culture, and impact employees for the better.
- Exclusion ripples: When large groups of believers refuse to fund industries of darkness, it sends a powerful message that there’s no profit worth more than principle.
These ripples don’t just move money—they move markets. Companies notice where capital flows, and they adapt accordingly.
Ripples in Culture
When believers align money with faith, it doesn’t just impact Wall Street—it impacts Main Street.
- Communities flourish when businesses are funded that build up rather than tear down.
- Families are strengthened when investments support companies that protect life and dignity.
- Nations shift when enough people refuse to compromise and demand higher standards in the marketplace.
Think of William Wilberforce and the abolition of the slave trade in England. While his fight was largely political, it also had an economic dimension. When enough people refused to endorse or profit from slavery, the culture shifted. The ripples changed history.
Faith-based investing is part of that same tradition: refusing to fund exploitation and instead fueling restoration.
Ripples in Eternity
The most powerful ripples are the ones we can’t see on this side of eternity.
Jesus said, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy” (Matthew 6:20). Every act of faithfulness with money—every dollar redirected toward God’s purposes—is a deposit into eternal treasure.
When you invest in companies that align with biblical values, you’re not just building wealth—you’re building witness. And one day, in eternity, the ripples will be revealed in lives touched, ministries funded, and testimonies written.
A True Story: The Retiree’s Revelation
I once worked with a retiree who had invested faithfully for decades. He lived modestly, gave generously, and assumed his portfolio reflected his values.
But when we screened his investments, he discovered his retirement funds were profiting from abortion and pornography. He was devastated. “All these years,” he said, “I thought I was supporting my grandchildren’s future—but I’ve also been funding things that destroy other people’s grandchildren.”
He immediately chose to realign his portfolio with biblically responsible investments. Months later, he told me, “I feel like a weight has been lifted. Now my money is part of the solution, not part of the problem.”
That’s the ripple effect. His decision not only changed his peace of mind but also impacted companies, culture, and eternity.
An Analogy: Dropping the Stone
Imagine standing at the edge of a pond with a stone in your hand. You can throw it anywhere. Where it lands, ripples will spread.
Your money is that stone. Every spending choice, every investment, every act of generosity is a toss into the pond of the world. The ripples will spread.
The question is: will your ripples advance the kingdom of God—or strengthen the kingdom of darkness?
How to Create Godly Ripples
If you want your money to create kingdom ripples, here are a few steps:
- Examine the Source: Screen your portfolio. Know what industries you’re endorsing.
- Redirect the Flow: Move capital toward companies that align with your convictions.
- Amplify Your Impact: Engage as a shareholder where influence is possible.
- Tell the Story: Share your journey. Ripples multiply when others catch the vision.
Remember: the ripple effect isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every step you take creates waves of influence.
Living in the Assurance of Kingdom Impact
Faith-based investing proves that money isn’t just about return on investment—it’s about return on integrity. It’s about using what God has entrusted to us to create ripples of righteousness.
When you choose to align your portfolio with your faith, you can live with assurance that your money is no longer fueling rebellion but reflecting redemption.
And one day, when you stand before Christ, you may be amazed at how far those ripples reached.
What I Want You to Remember
- Money is never neutral—every dollar creates ripples of influence.
- Faith-based investing sends ripples into the marketplace, culture, and eternity.
- Compromise fuels destruction; conviction fuels redemption.
- Your financial choices today may touch lives you’ll only meet in eternity.
The ripple effect is real. One stone tossed in obedience can move markets, shift culture, and shape eternity.
The question is: what kind of ripples are you creating with your money?