Today’s stewardship verse, derived from Matthew 25:20-21, emphasizes the principle of faithful stewardship and the increased responsibility that comes with greater blessings. Just as the servant in the parable who was given five talents multiplied them, we too should strive to use our resources wisely and for God’s glory. The parable also highlights that all investments and profits belong to God and should be acknowledged as such. It underscores the return of the master and the accountability required from the managers of His resources, indicating ethical and God-honoring means of increasing wealth.
In tying Christian values to the business world, Shana stresses that money should be actively put to work rather than hoarded. Investing in the equity market is seen as a way to grow money biblically, aiming to bring glory to God through wise investments. It’s important to remember that being a good steward entails extravagant generosity and not just profit generation. For both new and old partners at the Ministry, this approach to investments forms the foundation of their stewardship philosophy.
When getting started with investing in stocks, practical advice includes understanding the risks, being aware that investors won’t have input into the day-to-day operations of public companies, and looking for brokerage accounts that offer low-cost trades. It’s also crucial to ensure investments are in legitimate businesses with genuine potential for profit. Shana advises taking time to learn the investment process and stresses ongoing learning, paralleling a saying from a mentor about constantly being in a growth mindset.
Regarding building a portfolio, Shana suggests setting expectations to allow 6 to 12 months for portfolio establishment. Beginning with ensuring cash earns a high rate and setting up fixed-income ladders according to the strategy are key steps. She advises incrementally adding stocks from the buy list over six months, concentrating on sectors with the highest recommended allocations. This systematic approach helps in building a diversified and robust investment portfolio.
Finally, patience is emphasized as a virtue, particularly when market conditions aren’t ideal or desired options aren’t available. Shana advises ongoing research and familiarity with the companies on the buy list to ensure long-term, responsible investments. Checking the buy list only when necessary for deploying cash or following a sell alert helps maintain focus and discipline in the investment process.