Prayer: an investment security

By Elise Moore

EARLY IN MY BUSINESS CAREER, I managed to save $1,000. I wanted to invest this nest egg wisely. But, no broker was interested in such a small investor. Failing to find a good advisor, I decided to pray about what to do.

It's not that I think God is some super-broker dispensing hot stock tips. But praying helps define our motives and lift them to something higher than just self-interest. Greed, extravagance, and pride don't contribute to sound decisions. Real value and growth spring from creativity, integrity, productivity, service, and quality. I prayed to be able to uplift my motives from simply making money to discerning and supporting a principled business venture through investing in it.

Soon I found an investment professional who took me seriously. We discussed my desire to invest in a principled company. A few days later he recommended a new firm that fit my ideal. With great confidence I invested my entire savings, such as it was. The market fluctuated, but this company slowly and steadily grew.