Should Christians Invest For Profit?

To be blunt, the scriptures does not specifically state that Christians should invest , but also does not forbid it. God expects us to do something with what he has provided to help it grow. Investing is a way to make your financial assets grow. Investing is allocating resources , usually money, with the expectation of earning profits.

The Bible tells us to wisely save and invest for the future while also storing up treasures in heaven. Proverbs 21:20, says " There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up." 

As children of God, we are responsible for managing what God has entrusted in our hands for His benefits ( Matthew 25:14- 30). We would be held accountable for how we manage the assets God has given to us which is why investing should be profitable. However, we should not invest in anything that profits from sinful activities .

God finds value and he is pleased when when we invest in a way that builds our capacity to bless God and others. (Matthew 25) .

God wants us to prosper in every way possible which includes our finances .When you follow the biblical principles of investing, not only will you grow your wealth , you will also prosper in every area of your life. 

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1. Be Faithful with Little

The first Biblical principle of investment is to be faithful with a few. The Bible in Luke 16: 10 - 11 says "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?". From this verse, it is a clear rule that if you want to build a massive wealth, you must be trustworthy with what you have already. 

2. Invest for the Future

God is a long term planner and as believers, it is important that we learn to plan for pour long term goals - including investing. Some Christians feel it is not necessary to plan for a future need because God will take care of them. Others choose to spend everything they make instead of having an investment plan that would be profitable to them. Planning takes time but it is a necessary ingredient for a successful living, so that you do not have regrets in the future. 

3. Only invest in things you can understand.

It is very important to understand what you are investing in and develop a strategy . Every investment has an element of risk. You should be well aware of the risk associated with the investments you are considering. Not all investments will be suitable for you at a particular time . Success in your investment has to do with knowledge and awareness. The Bible says in proverbs 24:3 -4 that " Through wisdom is a house built; and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." 

 It is wise to seek a professional advice to help you determine a perfect investment strategy . 

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4. Do not Procrastinate

Procrastination can be costly because many times, it leads to a loss of opportunity. When you get a late start, it might be difficult to make up for the lost time. If you wait too long to invest, you may miss out on the potential for growth.  

5. Diversify your investment.

Investing your money in different types of assets helps to protect your money . It minimizes your risk . Proverbs 14: 22 says " A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children , and the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous ". The book of Ecclesiastes 11:2 also clearly teaches that, " Invest in seven ventures , yes, in eight ; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land".

6. Glorify God in your Investments

Try as much as you can to glory God in whatever you invest your money into. 

7. Be patient 

Try to avoid get - rich quick schemese and don't worry yourself about getting rich overnight. Follow the principles of investing consistently, and you will be financially stabilized. Proverbs 13: 11 says " Wealth gained hastily will dwindle , but whoever gathers little by little will increase". Proverbs 28:20 also says " A faithful man will abound with blessings , but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished ". 

When we invest as christians,we are not only growing the assets entrusted to us, but we are also making a difference in the world. When we hoard the resources that God has given to us to fear or distrust , we limit the kingdom opportunities that God has made available. 

Some people invest to aggressively generate more money in the short or long term while others invest to create a steady income.

As christians, we should be aware if the fact that not all investments will be successful , and there might be some risks involved. But with careful planning and prayers , we can make wise decisions that will honor God and benefit others.

There are ways to invest that can be profitable while aligning to christian values. Invest in socially responsible companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the world through their products and services and also engage in value - based investment. 

Also avoid going into debts to purchase a depreciating asset . Debt is not healthy for your finances . Debt is debilitating and can lead to a mental or physical exhaustion . People with debts are more likely to suffer from depression. However, stay clear from debts overhangs that prevent you from funding investment projects. 

Before you start investing, consider these few things; 

• Pay off your debts
• Have a stable financial plan
• Have an emergency fund . Being prepared with an emergency fund helps you and gives you the confidence that you can tackle life's unexpected events .You would not have to worry about where to get money when the need arises.
• Be comfortable in taking risks - how much risk are you willing to take? 
• Avoid circumstances that can lead to fraud.
• Choose investments that are aligned with values and morals of the Bible.

Biblical benefits of investing for profit

• It is a way to honor God and serve others
• It is a way to build up treasures in heaven ( Matthew 6:19 - 21).
• You will be a good steward to the resources God has given.
• It is a way to combat greed and materialism.
• By giving your resources for a good cause, you have shown generosity.
• You will potentially build wealth.
• It brings about financial independence.
• You can have financial backups for emergencies
• You can earn a good and reliable income.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are not just called to be stewards of the resources we gather here on earth but also investing in souls of men for eternity . Matthew 6:20 says "But store up for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rusts destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal". 

This is the smartest investment you can make. This can be achieved by giving your all to God's work. Christian investing enjoys God's blessings. 

We are christian investors and we should see to it that God's resources in our hands is well utilized .