Faith-Driven Impact Investor: What the Bible SaysSample

5. Can “Doing Good” With Money Ever Be Good Enough?

We keep trying to find a way around Jesus’ simple teaching: just give it away. But, we’re not making much progress…

Surely there must be a way to combine our God-given talents and wealth to bless others. Maybe a hybrid approach that goes beyond giving – one that amplifies Kingdom impact? Is there a way that this can be what God truly calls us to do with our wealth?

Check the insights shared by James, the brother of Jesus, to the early church:

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. ... You have hoarded wealth in the last days. ... You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence.” – James 5:1,3b,5a NIV

James doesn't hold back. His condemnation of those who have “hoarded wealth in the last days” sounds a lot like modern systems, where investors earn returns while the poor stay burdened with debt. Even when called “ethical” or “faith-based,” if your wealth is increasing while the poor remain poor, what form of generosity is that? How does that fit with the teachings of Jesus?

The Apostle Paul issues a similarly sobering reminder to the early church – and to us today:

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money … having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” – 2 Timothy 3:1a,5 NIV

Many financial strategies today wear a Christian label. They promise to “align with faith values” and sometimes add the concept of a “quadruple bottom line” that incorporates spiritual, social, and environmental outcomes besides pure financial management. But even with all the trimmings, these strategies still operate on worldly logic: risk management, profit maximization, and measurable outcomes.

But that’s not what Jesus teaches, what James or Paul talk about, and it’s surely NOT the power of the gospel. The power of the gospel – and all New Testament teachings – is found in surrender: giving without expecting any return. Something the world finds foolish.

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” – 1 Corinthians 3:18–19a NIV

God’s economy doesn’t run on financial return, impact investment, jobs created, diseases eradicated, or other measurable goals. The Kingdom of Heaven runs on obedience, faith, and sacrifice.

As Christ-followers, we need a new perspective – just as Jesus teaches and Paul proclaims:

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

In all of his teachings, Jesus only referenced one specific way to build treasure in heaven: by giving to the poor. We need to know and remember that eternal fruit often grows in hidden places, through acts of selfless giving – and that impact investment or structured finance, no matter how spiritual, will never fulfill the calling given by Jesus.

So here’s the real question: are we trying to do good with money, or are we trying to follow Jesus with our whole lives? Because if we desire the second, then our wealth isn’t something to grow – it’s something to give. Generously. Sacrificially. Quietly.

Because if we truly want to follow Jesus, then our wealth isn’t something to manage. It’s something to release.