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Should Christians Invest In The Stock Market? Oct 5, 2008 4:01 am
Mood: Cautious, 889 Views
Having dealt with other people's money for 22 years in my profession, I've seen more money lost than won, through investing in the stock market. I've seen lives destroyed and life savings lost from making unwise choices. Since the market is controlled by so many variables, seemingly out of one's individual control, can it ever really be a wise choice for investing your money?

There are those who oppose investment in the stock market, saying that buying stocks is the equivalent of gambling. The argument goes that since stocks are bought in the hope (not guarantee) that they will increase in value, that it is a form of gambling. There are differences, however, between gambling at a casino or buying lottery tickets, and buying stock. Gamblers risk money, which they know they will probably lose, in the hopes of making money quickly. Wise investors buy partial ownership in a company in the hopes of making money over time, which can be a sound way to plan for the future.

The difference really comes down to intent. Some types of investing, such as day-trading, are very much like gambling. Anything that requires "luck" above wise decision-making and long-term planning should be avoided. Most long-term investments return a profit over time, making them much more like buying bonds or certificates of deposit than rolling dice in a casino. There are many who use investments to secure retirement, education for their children, and inheritance for their families.

The Bible offers quite a few examples of growing wealth through legitimate means. Some are similar to investing—spending money now to make money later. God’s intentions for how we should manage our wealth are found in many scriptures. The following are a few examples.

Proverbs 28:20 says "a faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." This speaks against the "get-rich-quick" mentality. Looking at investment as a long-term plan for the future is good planning, but trying to make a fortune overnight is not.

Second Corinthians 9:6 says "Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously." The context is actually speaking about investing in our relationship with God, but it demonstrates how one must often sacrifice now to gain in the future. Similarly, Proverbs 3:9-10 says "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Whether or not you decide to invest is a personal decision, which I hope is done with a well-thought out plan and a great deal of research. Many of my clients retirement plans have devalued because it has been invested in the stock market. Proceed with caution, pray about where you invest and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance before risking your money. In this volatile market, buyer beware!
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