"For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility — not willingly but because of God who subjected it — in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children".
Romans 8:19-21

Did you know that only 40% of the companies listed in the FTSE All Share Index are considered "ethically acceptable" for investment?

While many companies generate the wealth on which their economies depend, it is still true that business is responsible for many of the world's most serious problems. Toxic waste, child labour, destruction of the rain forests, global environmental disasters - even down to the break-up of homes by pressuring people into a poor life/work balance.

If you have an investment, savings or retirement plan - then it is highly likely that you have money invested in some of these companies, albeit indirectly. As an investor, you benefit financially from the activities of these companies and, consequently, you cannot avoid accepting some of the responsibility for the actions that create those profits.

Being an ethical investor means using your money not only for profit but also for improving the condition of the world we live in. It is being interested in the way your investments are used and ensuring that profits are made in ways of which you approve. It may mean avoiding certain areas of investment, such as armaments, gambling or supporting repressive regimes. It means positively preferring companies with a good record on safety, wages and conditions of work, or those which have sound environmental policies.

"The ultimate purpose of industry is, I believe, to serve our fellow human beings by creating goods and services to meet their needs. It is not to make money for its own sake"
George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury

Accepting Christ as Lord of all life means participating responsibly in the creation and sharing of wealth. We are responsible to God for his creation, and are called to be good stewards of its resources. The creation of wealth by individuals and groups is a just and good aim, as is investment in the work of others. We have a duty to use our investments and resources to help meet human needs as well as create profit.

"The Lord owns the earth and all it contains,
the world and all who live in it".
Psalm 24:1

When I look up at the heavens, which your fingers made,
and see the moon and the stars, which you set in place,
I think,
“Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them?
Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them,
and make them almost like the heavenly beings?”
You grant mankind17 honor and majesty;
you allow them to rule over your creation;
you have placed everything under their authority".
Psalm 8:3-6

Conx

Copyright (c) Conway Billington

• Topic: Good Steward

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