Oct. 6th

Faith + Finance

Good morning! I’d like to introduce my son. This …is Jacob.

Born a little early — 37 weeks — he had to spend a few days in the NICU. But he’s healthy, strong, and already making his presence known.

Look at his beautiful little eyes, tiny hands, and fingers.

The detail of his face, the softness of his skin.

He has his very own heartbeat, brain, lungs, DNA, blood type, fingerprints, and retinas.

A unique life, knit together by God.

But did you realize that there are 9 states in our country that allow late-term abortions? That means if Jacob were just a few inches inside the womb, his life could be ended for any reason at all.

No medical emergency. No threat to his mother.

Just …because.

Are you kidding me? Please someone wake me up and tell me that this is all a dream — a terrible nightmare.

And what an incomprehensible double-standard:

In one building, a hospital, a neonatal team works around the clock to save premature babies just like Jacob yet down the road, a clinic legally ends lives just as precious, just as human.

And somehow, as a nation, we’ve called that freedom? dignity? human rights?

The Bible calls it murder, arrogating unto ourselves rights that have never been ours to claim. Instead, Proverbs 31:8 tells us to “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

The moral compass of our culture spins wildly, but truth hasn’t changed: Life is sacred because God made it so and that truth shapes our convictions — but it should shape other things too, namely our finances.

A few years ago, I discovered that many broad-market index funds — like SPDR, ITOT, VTI, and SCHB — include companies that use investor capital to

• Donate to advocacy groups pushing for “equitable abortion access.”

• Develop abortifacients like Liletta (the Plan B “emergency contraceptive” pill)

• Own and operate medical facilities that provide abortion procedures

• Pay for out-of-state travel for procedures

Others profit from industries that exploit or dehumanize:

• Gambling

• Pornography (production & distribution)

• Addictive substances

• Predatory lending

These aren’t morally neutral enterprises.

And I had to ask myself: why would I invest in companies engaging in business ventures or providing services with which I staunchly disagree? There has to be a better way.

That question led me toward Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI) — an approach that screens out harmful industries while seeking out those that promote human flourishing, treat employees with dignity, and operate with integrity.

This isn’t about moral posturing or politicizing Wall Street. It’s about locking arms with fellow Christ-following investors around the world to support the good, right, and true work in the world.

Every dollar is ultimately His, so how would He invest it?

So as I hold this tiny life in my arms — his fingers curling around mine — I can’t help but see the connection.

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Your Turn

Curious what your portfolio supports?

Visit InspireInsight.com and type in a ticker symbol from your 401(k) or IRA. You might be surprised …or encouraged! I encourage you to check it out.

Facts help us to see clearly.

And when we see clearly, we can steward faithfully.

May every dollar we manage be an act of worship and a defense of life.