More Than Money: A Devotional for Faith-Driven Impact Investorsනියැදිය

The 'Little God' Trap of Impact Investing

One of the most dangerous spiritual temptations for Christian investors is subtle, and usually unnoticed: control.

When you have the power to direct capital, fund visionaries, and influence outcomes, you start to look and feel like the one in control. And that control can feed our egos and quietly shift our spiritual posture.

Many times we may start by asking, "God, what do You want me to do with Your resources?" but then we hesitate if it seems contrary to our financial wisdom, which seeks to multiply the wealth already given.

Over time, our intention shifts ever so slightly. We may even gather with others to compare efforts, saying "Here is what I am (we are) doing for God and His Kingdom."

All of this sounds holy. It even looks impressive. But it’s the opposite of surrender. And it moves us well into dangerous territory…

"You cannot serve God and money." – Matthew 6:24b NIV

Jesus was crystal clear: you can’t serve God and money. Not even money with a cross on it. Not even when it’s directed toward clean water, church planting, or social good.

Any money for which we expect a financial return is dangerous. Investments that return money back to us, and money that we control are very much at risk of becoming an idol.

Whenever we track returns or measure our investments against the financial metrics of the world, we haven’t truly surrendered it. We may even say that we have turned it over to God, but in reality we haven’t. Regardless of how patient or concessionary that capital Is, or how generous it looks to be, it has not been surrendered to God or others.

And, as long as it is not surrendered to God and His Kingdom, the enemy has us right where he wants us – standing just in front of the ‘little gods’ trap. The trap where we are the ones in control, we are the 'little gods' who are able to help others in their struggles.

But faith doesn’t start with control. It starts with humility, and the giving up of control. That is what the message of Jesus was to the rich young ruler.

It shouldn't be that way for us.

What would it look like to invite God into your investment decisions at the soul level? What if you held your portfolio with open hands, not just in theory, but in daily, prayerful dependence? What if the world’s metrics of financial return didn’t apply?

Yes, the world needs Christian investors that can make an impact. But even more, it needs those investments to flow from surrender to God’s will, targeted at spiritual returns that you may never see. And independent of whether or not they are a financial success. Even if they completely disappear.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for the times I have acted as if I am in control as the wise steward of what You’ve entrusted. Teach me to release control, to steward resources with humility, and to resist the urge to elevate myself through generosity. Be Lord not just over my giving, but over my heart. Amen.