By Crystal Langdon

www.crystalclearfinances.com 

Are you familiar with the saying “One step forward, two steps back”? For many Christians this is not just a quote; it is a pattern they repeat over and over in their battle to sustain their Christian beliefs.

Christians realize that prayer, speaking up, and supporting organizations such as New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation (NYFRF), are powerful weapons that can and do make a difference. In addition, God commands Christians to be good stewards with their finances.

Choices one makes when choosing investments often counter attack prayer, monthly support, and profitable stewardship. When a person decides to invest, they place their trust in fund mangers to purchase stocks and bonds of companies, providing financial growth.

Fund managers buy stock from companies to place into portfolios. Investors choose these portfolios to be part of their investments. In the past, one did not have a choice regarding which investments the fund manager purchased. In truth, many investors did not see why it mattered, as long as their accounts were growing. Many times the investor had no idea that the stocks in their portfolio consisted of companies who actively supported same sex lifestyle and abortion.

Many people are aware that Johnson and Johnson boast of no more tears for babies. On the surface, they appear to be a harmless, family-nurturing company. Because of this perception, investors feel comfortable adding their stock to their portfolio. Research by Paul Dietrich of Fox Hall Investments shows that Johnson and Johnson helps supply the United States with “the morning after” pill. In essence, Johnson and Johnson are killing their own clients.

Lets consider an example of a fund company. According to Values Based Financial Network, Fidelity Magellan, a widely known and popular fund, has used 49% of their fund to purchase stock and bonds from companies that support same sex lifestyles.

You can choose to surrender your investments to managers who have no intention of supporting biblical values, or you can to choose to invest with a values based mindset. By allowing fund mangers to determine your holding, you are in essence allowing them to invest your money in accordance to their values—not yours. These companies may promote and financially back the very issues and values that you oppose, and indirectly fight against the principles that NYFRF supports.

In an effort to provide an alternative to values based investing, fund companies offer socially responsible investments. Do not be fooled by them. Values based investing is different than socially responsible investing. Socially responsible investing is a politically correct type of investment. Not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings, it usually screens only basic issues, such as smoking, alcohol, and environmental issues. Values based investing takes it a step further, addressing deeper issues such as screening for same sex lifestyles, pornography and abortion.

As Rev. Motley and the staff of NYFRF fight for Biblical values and moral convictions, Christians should continue to provide a prayer covering, monthly support, and legacy gifting. They can take their support one step further by drying up the resources used by those who would stand against the word of God. Understanding your investments and position and using them to support values based convictions, you can take two steps forward and NO steps back!