In Turbulent Times, How Are Your Finances Shaping Your Heart

During this unprecedented financial and cultural time, is your faith guiding your state of being, or are your investments determining your state? Ask yourself, how are my finances shaping my heart?

So many people are wringing their hands in concern and worry. Others, allowing fear to guide their decisions and, in the midst of panic, are making decisions that may well ripple painfully into their future. The stock market’s volatility has not only whiplashed portfolios but investors’ state of mind as well.

What to do?

The solution—let’s celebrate. Yes, that’s what I said, let’s celebrate. No, I haven’t lost my mind. I have surrendered my heart to God.

What an incredible opportunity this time has given us. God has allowed a crisis to reveal to Christians around the world how they have been distracted and complacent. In this distraction and complacency, many have replaced their God-given hope and joy with temporal possessions. But now we can rejoice, as God has opened our eyes to see He is the only source of true joy, peace and contentment. So, let us celebrate this moment, as all that glitters, glitters no more, and our hearts and minds now refocus and anchor in Christ alone.

He has also done the same for those who do not know Him personally. He has created an environment where many are seeing the uncertainty of their treasure—and seek more. Many of us know this feeling. It is where we were when Jesus presented Himself to us. When His ambassador gave us the “Good News.” As Christians, we should be excited that God has created an environment where charity and grace can awaken the desire for Christ in many. We walk not in fear but boldness, not in poverty but charity.

So the question is: How are your finances shaping your heart, and are you ready to celebrate?

No one is saying to ignore the financial situation playing out right now. We should do all we can to preserve and grow the investments God has entrusted to us. We can either study to understand how the markets work and do the best we can at protecting assets during turbulent times, like now, or find someone who can do so for us. We should strive to be the best stewards possible. And we should do so in a fashion that honors God.

Here is one more reason to celebrate. Every Christian in the United States now has access to investments, managers and funds that are biblically responsible—investments that avoid companies that cause people to stumble in their walk with God; investments that care about people and don’t use or abuse them. It is called Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI), and when we commit to investing biblically, we know God is always in control.

So yes, we can celebrate and praise God even during an economic and financial downturn. Will you join me by giving thanks to the Lord tonight for such opportunities?

Here are a couple of verses from the Bible for your consideration:

  • “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”—James 1:2-4
  • “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:2
  • “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”—John 14:27
  • “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”—Matthew 5:14)

(Mark Minnella is president and co-founder of the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants. He designed the first faith-based professional designation program, Christian Financial Consultant and Advisor, in the industry. He has extensive background as a leader in the faith-based investment movement, is the founder of Integrity Investors, LLC, and the author of “The Wall Street Awakening.”)

Just Ask Mark!

Do you have questions about this article or Christian investing? We invite you to "Just Ask Mark"! Mark Minnella is president and co-founder of the National Association of Christian Financial Consultants. He designed the first faith-based professional designation program, Christian Financial Consultant and Advisor, in the industry. He has extensive background as a leader in the faith-based investment movement, is the founder of Integrity Investors, LLC, and the author of The Wall Street Awakening.”

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