Why It's Okay for Christians to Invest Their Money
When it comes to money, we find many Christians wrestle with questions of faith and finance. We often find that the perception of money in Christian circles is negative. Many Christians wrestle with whether it is godly to build wealth or own a successful business. They also wrestle with the question- Should I invest as a Christian?
There seems to be a lack of education around this subject but we believe the Bible offers clarity and encouragement on this subject.
Let’s explore why it is not only okay, but also biblical for Christians to invest their money.
1. Biblical Principles Encourage Wise Stewardship
From the beginning to the end, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches the importance of stewardship. Managing resources wisely as stewards of what ultimately belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” We do not own anything, but we are called to steward our resources in a Godly way, and this includes investing.
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), Jesus commends the servants who invested what they were given and earned a return. The servant who buried his money was rebuked, not because he was cautious, but because he failed to use his resources productively. This parable affirms that using wisdom to grow wealth is honouring to God when done with the right motives.
2. Investing Can Be a Tool for Kingdom Impact
Money is a tool and its impact on the world depends on how it is used. If it’s used for good, it can produce good fruit and have a real impact on society. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honour the Lord with your wealth and with your firstfruits of all your produce.” Investing can be a means to generate resources for your future, but also to provide for your family. It can be a way to maintain a level of giving and generosity throughout your working life and into retirement.
When Christians invest wisely, they are better positioned to give generously. That means more support for churches, charities and community projects. Investment isn't just about personal gain; it’s about increasing your capacity to help fund Kingdom influence.
3. Preparing for the Future Is Not Unbiblical
Some believe that planning financially for retirement may show a lack of faith. But Scripture supports preparing for tomorrow. Proverbs 6:6-8 praises the ant for storing up provisions during harvest. Joseph saved during Egypt’s seven years of plenty to provide during the famine (Genesis 41).
Investing is simply a modern form of preparation for future events. Investing can be a way of earning a real return on your money over and above inflation. It allows us to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), retire with dignity, and avoid becoming a financial burden on others later in life.
4. Motives Matter More Than Money
God is more concerned with the posture of your heart when it comes to money rather than the amount of money in your bank account. The famous verse 1 Timothy 6:10 warns, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” The issue in this scripture isn’t about investing - it’s the idolisation and obsession of money. We know that with more money comes more responsibility and more temptation to sin.
If your motivation for investing is driven by pure greed and to store up more money, then that’s an issue. But if your goal is to be a wise steward, provide for your family, and bless others, then investing can be a God honouring decision.
By placing God first in every financial decision, we can cultivate regular generosity, budgeting that includes giving, and clear goals tied to our Christian values. This approach also helps guard against money becoming an idol.
If you're concerned about how your heart is currently aligned with money, think of this scenario. If God took away all of your money and possessions, what would your posture be towards God? Would you be angry with him? Would it affect your relationship with him? If so, then money and materialism are likely to have become idols to you.
5. Faith and Financial Wisdom Go Hand in Hand
Faith does not negate our responsibility to steward our resources wisely. Trusting God includes trusting Him as you learn and apply wisdom in your financial decisions. Proverbs is full of encouragement to seek wisdom and understanding, including with money (Proverbs 21:20, Proverbs 13:11).
Being intentional with investing doesn't replace our dependence on God- it reflects it. It's saying, “God, I trust You with everything and I want to honour You with how I steward what You have entrusted to me.”
Final Thoughts
For Christians, investing isn’t about chasing riches; it’s about responsibly multiplying the resources God has entrusted to us. When rooted in biblical values, investing can be a way of honouring God and furthering his kingdom.
So, in summary, yes, it is okay for Christians to invest their money. The question isn’t “Should I invest?” but rather, “How can I invest in a way that honours God?”