I’ve been following Jerry Bowyer’s very thoughtful and provoking series on Townhall Finance where he examines how Christians should be engaging with businesses in our world and if we as believers should be limiting our economic engagement with certain businesses based on their moral practices. Jerry has skillfully put together a compelling position. He posits that we as believers are under no obligation or burden to boycott or disengage with for-profit organizations; even if such businesses may support causes that are against what we know to be God’s will for this world.

In fact, Jerry highlight’s Christ and the disciple’s example; if anything, we should be engaging with these companies in the regular rhythms of our lives and corporately benefiting from each other. This reasoning extends to a multitude of disciplines within our business world. Take Investing for example. How do we as believer’s choose certain sins as more egregious than others (abortion, pornography, homosexuality) to screen from our portfolios, while omitting less visible sins (Pride, Greed, Envy, injustice) from our portfolio screens? In fact, as shareholders we have a unique opportunity to become engaged activists.

I think Jerry hits the nail on the head. As believers all things are clean. Romans 14:20. 1 Corinthians 8: 5-7.

So, now what?

Now that we are viewing our financial interactions through the lens of the freedom of the Gospel, we now have the ability to see and act clearly. We now have the ability to act wisely and in light of our spirit filled conscience.

 So, would it be pharisaical of one to burden another with the weight of claiming an investor is receiving ill-gotten gains if they are invested in the S&P 500 index? Yes, I believe so. However, what if an investor now has the freedom to act not under the “law” (I must invest in BRI (Biblically Responsible Investment) only funds or I am sinning.) To acting out of freedom, advocating for bringing “Thy Kingdom Come” to bear on earth through voting with their dollar and investments.

There is no doubt money talks. And the way we engage with our dollar does indeed have an impact, the same as if we dropped our lone vote into the ballot box. Engaging in BRI and making our vote to support funds attempting to align their investment philosophy closely with biblical values is worthy if, I believe, it is done out of the freedom that all things are clean. We now have the freedom to take a stand with our dollar to invest in companies who align more closely with the Kingdom than others. Done out of the desire to see our world changed and not done from the burden of attempting to save ourselves from debts already payed for.

To Invest with Eric please visit https://www.schrumpw.com/contact-us/

Investment Advisor Representative of Spire Wealth Management, LLCAdvisory Services offered through Spire Wealth Management, LLC, a Federally RegisteredInvestment Advisor. Securities offered through an affiliate,Spire Securities, LLC.  Member FINRA/SIPC