Today is National Investing Day, a day to remind Americans to wisely invest so that they will have a strong financial future. While there are no guarantees when it comes to financing, there is one certainty: failure to plan is a plan to fail.
“On May 1, 1975, Congress enacted the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975, which reshaped the investment landscape by deregulating fixed commissions on trade. These legislative and regulatory changes transformed the brokerage industry, opening the door to competition and broader access to financial markets. This historic shift became known as “May Day” in the brokerage world.
“Prior to 1975, high fees and limited access made it difficult for average Americans to invest. In fact, investing before 1975 was largely for institutions and the wealthy. The 1975 legislation became the turning point, democratizing the world of finance, breaking down barriers, and giving individuals the opportunity to take control of their financial futures. It was a historic moment that leveled the playing field for individuals and broke down barriers that had kept investing exclusive for decades.
“After the legislation took effect, many traditional brokerage firms responded by raising rates for smaller investors to recoup lost revenue. However, this strategy backfired and created an opportunity for discount brokerage firms to attract clients at lower commission rates. Companies like Charles Schwab capitalized on this moment by offering more affordable and accessible investment services to the general public…
“At the time, Charles Schwab was a small investing firm compared to giants in 1975. After the SEC eliminated fixed brokerage commissions, the firm made a bold move to cut commissions by 50 to 60 percent, which catapulted Schwab into the spotlight as a pioneer of discount brokerage. They appealed directly to their individual investors by focusing on the personal needs of each investor.”1
I’ve heard some Christians through the years scoff at investing and preparing for the future. None of them were spendthrifts or frivolous spenders. They simply didn’t believe investing was an act of faith. One person told me, “God took care of us all these years and He will continue to take care of us even in our retirement and ill health.” While I totally agree and appreciate their heart, it seems like God also gave us intelligence and directives to invest, giving us examples that show the value of investing.
Luke 19:11-27 tells the story of a nobleman who summoned ten servants and entrusted them with “ten pounds.” Verses 15-23 gives the events upon the nobleman’s return. “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. (16) Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. (17) And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. (18) And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. (19) And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. (20) And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: (21) For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and
reapest that thou didst not sow. (22) And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: (23) Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?”
The parable is about so much more than investing but that is something you can study on your own. Instead, I want us to notice that it seems like it was the normal and natural thing to invest or, at the least, put the money in the bank so that it could gain interest.
Now, our attitude towards investing must be correct and Biblically sound. Investing because we want to get rich is a sin. Proverbs 23:4 says, “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.” Investing because you love money is a sin. Being greedy is a sin. Both are warned about in 1 Timothy 6:1. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Even trusting money for security is a sin because the Christian should be trusting the Lord. Psalms 52:1, 7 says, “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually… (7) Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.”
If we are investing to provide for our family, to leave an inheritance, or in order to give more, those are the right attitudes. Scripture bears this out and God can certainly bless.
On this National Investing Day, let’s remember that God gives us all things and everything ultimately belongs to Him. Before we do anything with our finances, whether it be investing, saving, or spending, we need to seek God’s heart and approval. God needs to be our financial advisor.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
1https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-investing-day-may-1
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