Ethics in Financial and Investment Decisions in Accordance With the Bible

According to the Bible, Christians have an obligation to be transparent, honest and be accountable when making financial and investment decisions (Guerard, 1997). The Bible says that Christians are invited to be a reflection of their faith in Christ. This stated clearly by Mathews, you are the light of the World. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden which means that Christians are required to show a good example for others. Mathews continues to say, In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Based on this, Christians are required to make decisions in accordance with the Gospel of Christ including investment and financial decisions. In relation to financial and investment decisions, Christians have the obligation to observe certain Christian principles such as love, faith, and hope (Friedman and Miles. 2001). These principles act as guiding principles to Christians when making ethical financial and investment decisions. According to the gospel, Christ expresses himself in a certain manner that describes the kind of relationship a Christian should have with his Creator, neighbor, and enemies. These principles can also be used by Christians when making ethical financial and investment decisions.

In addition, according to the Bible service to the people is a fundamental principle required of all Christians. In relation to Leviticus, it is vital for Christians to be responsible for their neighbors and employees (Leviticus 19:13). The same principle is expounded by Jesus and Paul in the Golden rule when they say, do unto others as you would like to be done to you. Today, the same principle is followed by many corporations. The indicators of the golden rule are customers who should be given quality customer service. Psalm 24:1 also states that all the treasure in the World belongs to God and they are made for the benefit of all. This, therefore, provides the principle of stewardship requiring the creation of resources for the benefit of others such as customers and employees. According to the business, financial and investment decisions are made based on the same principles such as honesty, transparency and integrity. During investment, the business must comply with the applicable government regulations created for businesses. There are also some code of conducts which are followed when making financial and investment decision, decision makers must be transparent, honest and have ethical conduct to improve public confidence. This is because proper use of finance depends on the integrity, honesty, accountability and professionalism of the firms stakeholders. It is there important for business organizations to follow business code of practice when making financial and investment decisions.

References

Friedman, A.L., and S. Miles. 2001. Socially responsible investment and corporate social and environmental reporting in the UK: an exploratory study. British Accounting Review 33(4): 523548.

http://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1318&context=theses

Guerard, J.B. 1997. Additional evidence on the cost of being socially responsible in investing.The Journal of Investing 6(4): 3136

https://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/faith-matters/2015/02/20/the-bible-is-a-good-guide-to-best-business-practices