Influence is in the hands of the investor. That’s because capital can create growth, change, and opportunity. Those who own the capital also possess the ability to influence not just their individual companies and clients, but the broader financial market as well. The question is, “How will we use this power?”

Many investors are focusing on a single bottom line and ignoring the productive and intrinsic value of the underlying company. Instead, Faith Driven Investors use the influence of capital to make products and services, create company cultures that support and empower employees, launch faith-based employee resource groups, advocate for chaplaincy, the list goes on. This intentional and impactful use of capital will be a mark for which we are known and remembered.

By becoming an owner of a company or an operator of a business, we are sanctioning and benefiting from the company's activities and practices. And this ownership confers an ethical responsibility to the investor for the activities and practices of the company.

We are responsible for leveraging the power generated by the force of investing. But investing for the common good will only succeed if Faith Driven Investors recognize and accept the invitation to participate in the fruits of investing as well as become an agent of change.

Romans 11:29 — For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

1 Peter 5:2 — Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 — There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

Acts 20:28 — Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Matthew 5:16 — Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.