Every investment is more than a financial decision—it's a stewardship decision. When Christians invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs, we're doing more than seeking financial returns. We're providing capital that helps businesses, governments, and organizations accomplish their goals. That raises an important question: Should our investments reflect our biblical convictions?

In this episode, we explore what Scripture teaches about stewardship, ill-gotten gain, and the responsibility that comes with investing. We'll discuss the difference between stocks and bonds, and what it means to own or lend to a company, and offer a biblical framework for thinking through today's investment opportunities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the Bible teaches about ill-gotten gain

• Why investing is never morally neutral

• The difference between stocks and bonds

• What it means to own a company versus lend to one

• Value-creating vs. value-extracting businesses

• How Christians can think biblically about investing

While there are rarely easy answers, Scripture gives us principles that help us faithfully steward the resources God has entrusted to us.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-103-never-neutral

Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction: What Are You Really Funding?

00:58 What Does the Bible Mean by "Ill-Gotten Gain"?

02:50 Identifying Businesses That Harm Human Flourishing

06:43 What Is a Stock? Understanding Public Equities

09:45 What It Means to Own Part of a Company

13:40 What Is a Bond? Lending vs. Owning

19:26 Is Your Bank Using Your Money Wisely?

21:07 Stewardship: What Are You Enabling with Your Investments?

24:51 Hebrews 13:5 and the Christian Investor's Perspective

Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.