In the intricate dance of investing, where the oscillations between greed and fear of each individual decision-maker often dictate market movements and oscillate the behavior of other individual investors, there exists a profound, alternative approach grounded in values-based investing.
This strategy, inspired by the teachings of Jesus to His disciples in John 15:19-26, emphasizes that we, as followers and as investors, are not of this world. Our decisions, therefore, should not be governed by worldly principles of greed and fear but by a commitment to values that reflect our faith and dedication to care for the vulnerable and lost.
In John 15:27, Jesus instructs, “And you also must testify about me,” inviting us to live and invest in a manner that bears witness to His teachings and example (investing our time, our energies, and our funds). This blog post explores how integrating Christian values into our investment strategy can help us navigate beyond the common pitfalls of greed and fear, towards a more impactful investment journey, regardless of the ‘psychology of the market’.
The Teachings of Jesus and Investment Decisions
Jesus’s message to His disciples that they are not of this world offers a powerful lens through which to view our investment strategies. It reminds us that our actions, including how we invest our resources, should reflect our higher calling and purpose. This perspective shifts the focus from merely accumulating wealth to considering how our investments should be directed to the well-being of others, echoing Jesus’s call to testify about Him through our deeds and choices.
Overcoming Greed with Generosity
Greed, the excessive desire for more than is needed or deserved, especially concerning wealth, can easily entangle investors. It drives a relentless pursuit of financial gain, often at the expense of the welfare of others. However, the believer is called to replace greed with generosity, our ‘impact investing thesis’ is conscious of the types of investments and the promotion of the products and services that those companies offer. Therefore, we choose to invest in companies and projects that align with our Christian values.
Conquering Fear with Faith
Fear, particularly the fear of loss, can paralyze investors, leading to overly cautious or panic-driven decisions that undermine long-term investment goals. Faith, a central tenet of Christian life, offers a powerful antidote to fear. By placing our trust in Jesus and adhering to values-based investment principles, we can navigate market uncertainties with confidence, making decisions that reflect our commitment to stewardship and by seeing the bigger, eternal picture and the maturity of our funds distributing to Ministry Training Schemes, we can overcome short term fears, seeing the impact of our investing.
Building a Values-Based Investment Strategy
A values-based investment strategy starts with identifying core values that resonate with Christian teachings, such as stewardship, compassion, and justice. It involves seeking out investment opportunities that align with these values, such as companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Moreover, values-based investing requires due diligence and a commitment to ongoing learning and reflection. Our team actively researches potential investments to ensure they align with both our financial objectives and ethical standards. This process, while demanding, is deeply rewarding.
Testifying Through Investment
In a world often driven by greed and fear, values-based investing offers a path to financial stewardship that honors Jesus’s teachings. By focusing on investments that reflect our Christian values to foster and finance a community of MTS candidates, and stepping into a life of ministry, we can overcome the emotional pitfalls that beset the common self-focused investor.
In doing so, we not only testify about Jesus through our investment choices but also participate in the creation of a more just, compassionate, and faithful world. Through values-based investing, we affirm that our treasure, and indeed our heart, lies not in the riches of this world but in the eternal values of the Kingdom of God.
Investment Thesis Summary
For more details on how we think about the intersection between faith and funding faith initiatives, specifically the Ministry Training Scheme, check out these articles also
