An industry leader in Biblically Responsible Investing offers perspective on the election, stock market and egregious news
Back in March 2020, Timothy Plan published an article called “Keep Calm and Carry On,” addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and what investors might expect.
We’re still in the midst of turmoil, just a different type of storm four years hence.
During the London bombings in 1940, the British people rallied behind the slogan, “Keep calm and carry on.” That’s still the best advice for us as well.
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Those of us who put our faith in our Heavenly Father have special reasons not to despair.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim.1:7).
Removing Anxiety
These are not just words but a way of living. When we realize that God, not we, is in charge, it takes away unnecessary anxiety.
“To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it” (Deuteronomy 10:14).
From Genesis through the New Testament, the Scriptures repeatedly emphasize God’s ownership of all things and the importance of trust.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
God is fully aware of what’s going on. He knew it before we were even born and is not surprised by any of it.
Taking the Long View
At Timothy Partners, advisor to Timothy Plan, we take the long view, knowing that the only thing that lasts forever is God’s Word, “which shall never pass away.”
America, like Europe, is seeing a trying time in our nation with a great divide politically, which incidentally has brought about a time of greater awareness and concern for our constitutional rights.
As the founder and CEO of Timothy Plan and a 50-year veteran in the investing world, I have counseled my fellow citizens and investors in past tumultuous times not to surrender to worry.
People sometimes ask me how I can stay so calm when the markets are in flux or something else out there is scaring everybody. It’s not that I’m particularly brave. I just know Who’s in charge. And it’s not me. If I do my part, He will do His part. It’s not that complicated.
Put Our Full Trust in the Lord
As believers, we find calmness, peace and hope when we put our full trust in the Lord.
We can also take some comfort from history, where we see that stock markets eventually and inevitably recover.
Timothy Plan, a pioneer in Biblically Responsible Investing, offers 12 mutual funds and seven Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
For Christians, it helps immensely to have a biblically-centered advisor who understands the concept of stewardship — that God owns everything and that we are merely stewards of what He has provided.
On the election front, we should pray for our nation and those running for office as well as those in office as it is written in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
One thing we shouldn’t do is check our cell phones for election bulletins or market reports many times during the day or just before turning them in at night. It won’t change a thing except to induce anxiety. It’s so much healthier to take the Apostle Paul’s advice:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil.4:8)
America and the stock market have been through many crises, including important elections. Those with cooler heads do the best in the long run.
With that in mind, let’s trust God, keep calm and carry on.
Art Ally is the founder of the Timothy Plan family of Biblically Responsible Investing funds.
Timothy Plan has stood at the forefront of faith-based investing for over three decades. Understanding the moral dilemmas inherent in the modern financial landscape, the Plan provides investors with a biblically-filtered portfolio, ensuring that their investments align with their cherished values. Timothy Plan offers a conscientious alternative for those seeking financial growth and moral integrity by meticulously excluding companies involved in controversial sectors.
