Biblically Responsible Investing – A Look Back at the Original Investor 

By Ryan De Amicis 

What are your thoughts about slang? 

Yes, slang can be vulgar, but it’s certainly not limited to offensive language. “Vibe” is a great example. Vibe has become an appropriate term to communicate a positive feeling one may associate with an activity, experience, or person. 

Over time, society may crown a word with a new definition. In fact, did you know “girl” was first used to describe a young child – male or female? Of course, today we know girl refers to a female. “Invest” is another example. If you asked a handful of people to define invest, they may sum the word up by saying “to sacrifice something of value now expecting to receive something of greater value in the future.” Though it’s a perfectly acceptable answer, the origins of the word have a different spin. 

Invest was derived from the Latin word investire which translates – in ‘to’ vestire ‘clothe.’ As early as the 14th century, the definition of invest meant to clothe in the official robes of an office. Investing was about empowering somebody with their official uniform for a highly esteemed assignment. 

Many of us are familiar with a vest being part of a suit. So, it makes sense there is some type of clothing connection. Let’s dive into some historic examples of investors. 

Man as Investor. In June of 1953, with the summer heat around the corner, a very special service was taking place indoors. A coronation was being held for a 27-year-old girl in London’s Westminster Abbey. During Queen Elizabeth II’s 3-hour coronation service, the Archbishop of Canterbury and his team dressed their leader in vestments. Queen Elizabeth II was clothed in the official robes of her new office to lead and rule the United Kingdom. 

God as Investor. Isaiah 61:10 rejoices, “for He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness.” In the beginning, before the fall of man, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). God is an investor of His image bearers. Many of us have learned to think about God as our Father, Provider, and maybe even our Healer, but how many times have you thought about God as Investor? I’d venture to say few. However, Scripture reveals this beautiful story of creation where God places man and woman in His perfect creation as rulers. 

Today, when we think about investing, we get excited about what we may get out of it – often, monetary return. As we reflect over its origins, investing was actually about empowering someone else, specifically for noble work. 

Christians as Investors. At Christian Wealth Management, we enjoy sharing how investing in stocks is simply purchasing ownership in a business. Businesses have influence. They can add value by enabling humanity to flourish (think developing a cure for cancer) or extract value by profiting off their demise (think addiction – pornography, alcohol). Stock owners empower the companies they own in their portfolio by supplying capital to continue the work they are doing –  good and bad. As we ponder its origins, may we consider investing in a new light – as a means to clothe companies with capital to go out and do good work. 

As Christ followers, we are challenged to “do all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31b). If this is our assignment, the question remains, what companies should we be clothing with capital? 

Learning the slang of a community presents a unique opportunity to think about a word differently. As I wrap up this piece, I’m reminded of the Beach Boys’ tune with the words “good, good, good, good vibrations.” Huh, maybe that’s where vibe came from… 

Ryan De Amicis is an investment advisor with Christian Wealth Management in Boise, providing biblically responsible investment advice to Christians. For more information, visit investforthegloryofgod.com or contact him at [email protected] or (408) 758-6413. 

Investment advisory services provided by Creative Financial Designs, Inc. Securities are offered through CFD Investments, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC, 2704 South Goyer Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, 795-453-9600. Christian Wealth Management, LLC is not affiliated with CFD Investments, Inc. or Creative Financial Designs, Inc.