My Biblically Responsible Trading (BRT) Journal: Entry#1
By Nehemiah Jackson
Journal Entry # 1 Why?
Warning: The purpose and existence of Biblically Responsible Trading (BRT) is made possible by the purpose and existence of a Biblically Responsible Lifestyle. If the lifestyle is not for you, then this trading method is not for you. Furthermore, it most likely will make zero sense to you. This is my personal journal of this method. Actually, this is more of a journey than a method. So, on that note:
Starting a journey with actual facts is usually a good idea. Having a total of 10 facts just feels right.
Fact I : The word “Christian” is not an adjective, despite what people think or try to do with the word. Christians are nouns. Specifically, Christian’s are individual people. And anyone in the world can claim to be one whether online or on the street.
Note: Not all bible-believing Christ-followers refer to themselves as “Christians” either.
Fact II : There is no such thing as a “Christian Company” ( i.e. Not an adjective)
Fact III : Buying stock in a company is a relationship, so much so that the company will many times pay you back dividends in hopes that you will reinvest those into the relationship, thus making the commitment stronger over time. For example, Warren Buffett has such a close relationship with Coca Cola, that he is rarely ever seen in public without a Coca Cola beverage close to him.
Fact IV: Sinning and making unwise decisions are not the same thing. Rejecting and/or neglecting wise counsel is not always a sin but it always leads to us making an inferior choice in any circumstance.
Fact V: Millions of individuals (in the U.S) have been paying into social security all of their adult lives and may never be able to personally benefit from it due to lack of government action.
Fact VI: For these individuals (like myself), investing money is no longer an option, it is an absolute necessity in order to have a chance to live decently in the world that is presently under rapid construction.
Fact VII: There is a difference between trading stocks and investing in a company.
Fact VIII: Any trade (minus day trading, which I don’t do) can potentially become an investment, thus turning a short term deal into a long-term relationship.
Fact IX: For the Christ-follower, ROI (return on investment) does not always come in the form of money.
Fact X: The Bible says, don’t seek to be rich: “ “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.” - Proverbs 23:4 ESV
Question: What’s the goal then?
Answer: To responsibly grow our portfolio in a way that prayerfully does not involve us investing in ungodly, unbiblical behavior/practices and prayerfully generates returns that both include and go beyond money.
Ultimate Question: Why do this at all?
Answer: To honor God (Yahweh) by being a wise steward of whatever He blesses me with, while yielding to the Holy Spirit’s help.
End Journal Entry December 25th, 2024 @ 12:58am
