How to Identify your values
Values-based investing aligns beautifully with Christian principles, but it requires a clear understanding of one’s core beliefs. The question then becomes: What are my values as a follower of Christ?
Identifying our values can be more challenging than we expect. There are often gray areas, and it can be difficult to know how to translate these values into actions and investments that honor God. Let’s explore how to identify your values rooted in Christian faith, convert those into aligned investments, and find guidance along the way.
Prayerful Self-Reflection
The Bible encourages us to examine our hearts. Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV) says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Taking time for prayerful reflection on what truly matters to us is the first step in faith-based investing.
One way to begin is by finding a list of values and prayerfully sorting them into three categories: matters most, matters somewhat, and doesn’t matter. Keep only the “matters most” category. Depending on how many are on this list, you may want to repeat the process, asking for God’s guidance. Finally, identify your top 10 values. Pick the 10 that resonate most deeply with your faith, and then order them 1-10, with 1 being the most important.
Now you have a list of values that reflect your Christian worldview!
Here’s an example list of 10 values: Love, Compassion, Justice, Stewardship, Integrity, Service, Faithfulness, Generosity, Humility, and Community
Key Influences: If you find yourself stuck, consider the people who have most influenced your Christian walk. What did they believe in? What did you learn from them? In what ways do you want to emulate them? Additionally, you can reflect on what you have learned from prayer, from Scripture, and from your church community. This reflection can offer clarity on your core values.
Define your Ethical Principles
Next, consider how your values translate into the way you want to conduct your investments. Take the list of values mentioned earlier. For example, your values might suggest that you seek investments promoting social justice (justice, compassion), care for God’s creation (stewardship), and support organizations that uphold Christian ethics (integrity, faithfulness).
Once these values have been identified and translated into guiding principles, it is time to identify key areas of investment according to your values.
Note: If you do not desire to use faith as a framework to define your values, you can reflect on how mentors, leaders, and close relationships in your life have influenced who you are and the values you hold dear. From there, you can follow the same process below, identifying ethical opportunities that align with those values.
Identify Ethical Investment Opportunities
To align your values with your investments, it's crucial to know your options. Perhaps you value the sanctity of life and want to invest in pro-life initiatives. Maybe creativity, beauty, and sustainability are important to you, and you seek investments that support environmental flourishing. If health is a core value, you might invest in research for medical advancements in areas that touch your life or the lives of loved ones.
Seek Godly Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) tells us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Finding an expert in the investment field who understands Christian values can help you determine where your money will create the most change according to your beliefs. Look for an advisor who listens to your values and uses their expertise to find the right investments for you. You can also use online screening tools, reach out to a financial advisor, or start Pro-Life investing with us today. Click here to schedule your free Impact Report, to learn about the current impact of your investment portfolio.
Make a Godly Impact
Using your investments to support and create societal change not only impacts our communities but also transforms us spiritually. When we live according to our values, we often feel more fulfilled as we become part of something larger than ourselves. Values-based investing allows us to make a difference in the world while achieving personal and financial growth, all to the glory of God.
By aligning your investments with your Christian values, you not only pursue financial returns but also contribute to God’s Kingdom. This holistic approach to investing encourages a more ethical and connected world, rooted in faith.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, values-based investing is about more than just financial returns—it's about living out your convictions and making a tangible impact on the world. It’s a journey of self-discovery and intentionality, ensuring that every dollar you invest is a step towards a better, more just society. So, take that first step. Reflect on your values, seek God’s guidance, and begin to invest in a way that truly aligns with who you are and what you stand for. The world needs your values in action, and how you choose to invest matters more than you know.