Why do you suppose Jesus had so much to say about money and possessions?
Our Lord and Savior knew that how we handle money can reveal our spiritual priorities. Every financial decision has a spiritual component, which can even be true of our investing. Bob Doll joins us today to answer, “Why should we strive for faith-based money management?”Bob Doll is the CEO and CIO of Crossmark Global Investments. He regularly contributes to Faith and Finance and other media outlets, such as Bloomberg TV, Fox Business, and CNBC.The goal is not just financial gain but to ensure investments reflect biblical principles. Crossmark offers both screened and unscreened products to cater to diverse client needs, always seeking to provide risk-adjusted returns that align with Christian values.
Separately Managed Accounts allow for even more customization. Investors can exclude specific industries or companies that conflict with their personal convictions or include sectors they wish to support. Crossmark also offers unscreened investments for those who prefer to focus solely on financial performance. These flexible solutions allow investors to have a truly personalized faith-based portfolio.
Faith-based investing (FBI), or biblically responsible investing (BRI), integrates Christian values into financial decision-making. Investing is just one part of life, but all aspects of life should be aligned with God's Word. It’s a matter of holiness and becoming more Christlike.
This isn’t just about avoiding “bad” investments (like companies involved in industries that don’t align with biblical values). It’s also about positively investing in companies that act responsibly toward employees, communities, and the environment.
It also encourages us to think about the moral implications of our investments. How we earn, spend, and invest money reflects our hearts and faith. Aligning investments with Christian values is a practical way to live out our faith. By doing this, investors can be good stewards of God’s gifts and honor Him in their financial decisions.
One common misconception is that faith-based investing requires sacrificing financial returns. Studies from institutions like Wharton, Oxford, and Biola University have shown that faith-based portfolios can perform just as well as secular ones. Crossmark’s portfolio managers are measured against the same benchmarks as other investors, ensuring that faith-based investments can provide competitive returns.
It is essential to work with someone who understands the importance of aligning financial decisions with your faith. Kingdom-minded financial advisors, like those certified by the Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) program, specialize in helping Christians invest in ways that reflect biblical values.As Christians, we must view money as a resource entrusted to us by God. By aligning our investments with His Word, we can ensure that our financial decisions honor God and serve others. We don’t have to choose between financial success and faithfulness—we can have both.
To learn more about Crossmark Global Investments or faith-based investing, visit CrossmarkGlobal.com and explore the resources available to help you align your values with your financial goals.