A Strange New World
The world still turns on its axis, yet things feel strangely disjointed, almost as if we're living in a simulation. Many seek to control and mute the voices of truth, not by silencing them but by flooding the airwaves with so much darkness that the light is drowned out. So, let’s start from the beginning: Who are we? We inhabit an insignificant planet orbiting a mundane star, tucked away in a galaxy hidden in a forgotten corner of a universe with more galaxies than people. The universe is under no obligation to make sense to us, yet King David marveled at God's mindfulness of humanity, saying, "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you visit him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:4-5).
As investors, we often face a world that feels equally complex and overwhelming. The markets can seem like a vast, indifferent cosmos, where clarity and certainty are rare commodities. Yet, just as David found comfort in God's mindfulness, we too can find guidance and reassurance in timeless principles.
The Devil's Deception
Our intellect craves clarity and certainty, yet we often find uncertainty fascinating. The devil knows this and exploits our fascination, ensnaring us in confusion, disorder, division, deception, and manipulation. Leaders of this age thrive on our naivety and ignorance, using distraction to perpetrate all kinds of wickedness. This has become so pervasive that it's difficult to imagine things being any other way.
In the investment world, distractions and deceptions abound. Financial news cycles can be overwhelming, filled with conflicting reports and opinions. As the legendary investor Warren Buffett said, "The stock market is designed to transfer money from the Active to the Patient." Patience and discernment are crucial, and avoiding the noise is key to long-term success.
Man's Mirror
In the United States, man doesn't feel disconnected from the center of creation but has built a world in his own image. Yet, he struggles to recognize himself in his inhuman objects or his fellow beings. A society is defined by how it reconciles with its past and its attitude toward the future. We live in a twisted world where everything, big and small, is subject to surveillance, and anything of value is exploited. To combat injustice, one must either resort to harsh methods or be crushed under the weight of strong forces. The ease with which language can be twisted is troubling, and our minds' acceptance of these perverse games is equally concerning.
As investors, we must recognize the importance of aligning our investments with our values. "The best investment you can make is in yourself," said Buffett. This doesn't just mean financial education, but also ensuring our investments reflect our principles and contribute positively to society.
The Power of Speech
Man does not speak because he thinks; he thinks because he speaks. Speaking and thinking are inseparable; to speak is to think. In the Bible, the word "logos" encompasses both thought and speech. As Proverbs 23:7 states, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." Jesus reminded us in Matthew 15:11, "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Thoughts, words, and speech matter deeply.
In investing, our words and thoughts shape our strategies and decisions. Positive, informed, and prudent thinking leads to sound investment decisions. As the Apostle Paul advised in Philippians 4:8, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
The Nature of Hypocrisy
When hypocrisy becomes a character trait, it affects one's thinking, negating aspects of reality that one finds disagreeable. Social criticism begins with the restoration of meanings, yet many meanings have become so twisted that communication between generations is nearly impossible. This linguistic distortion is a form of wickedness. The term "wickedness" derives from the words "wicked" and "-ness," with "wicked" linked to the Old English "Wicca," meaning a male witch. In the Old Testament, wickedness signifies a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, and virtue—essentially, living in defiance of God's character and independence from His mercy.
Integrity is paramount in investing. As Peter Lynch famously said, "Know what you own, and know why you own it." Hypocrisy and deception, whether in business or personal life, lead to ruin. Maintaining honesty and transparency is essential for building trust and achieving lasting success.
The Age of Confusion
We live in an age of confusion, marked by uncertainty about sex, gender, marriage, childrearing, and even Christianity. The word "confuse" comes from the Latin "confundo," meaning to mix truth and falsehood, information and misinformation, knowledge and ignorance. This confusion began long ago, in the Garden of Eden, with the Fall of Man. Four types of confusion occurred then, setting a precedent for all subsequent human confusion.
In the financial markets, confusion is often manufactured. Distinguishing between reliable information and misleading noise is crucial. As Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, noted, "The investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself."
Confusion in the Garden
First, the devil confused Adam and Eve about the veracity of God's Word. Whether Eve added to God's command or not, the issue was Adam's failure to protect his wife from the serpent's deception. Since then, humanity has been confused about God's Word, questioning, "Did God actually say...?"
In investing, clarity of purpose and adherence to proven principles are our safeguards against deception. "Price is what you pay. Value is what you get," Buffett wisely reminds us. Knowing the intrinsic value of investments helps us stay grounded and avoid speculative traps.
Distorted Relationships
Second, sin distorted the relationship between husband and wife. After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve's eyes turned inward, leading to self-focus and shame. This navel-gazing narcissism, a result of original sin, continues to affect human relationships, leading to issues like divorce, pornography, adultery, and confusion about gender roles and marriage.
Healthy relationships and a strong support system are vital for successful investing. Surrounding ourselves with wise counsel and like-minded individuals helps us stay focused and grounded. As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."
Confused Relationship with God
Third, sin confused humanity's relationship with God. Instead of seeking God's presence, Adam and Eve hid from Him. This fear and mistrust of God as a judge rather than a loving Father persists, causing people to seek comfort in temporal things rather than in God's eternal refuge.
Trusting in God's provision and guidance is fundamental. "Do not be anxious about anything," Paul writes in Philippians 4:6, "but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." In investing, this translates to trusting our strategies and remaining patient.
Familial Disruption
Fourth, sin disrupted familial relationships. Cain's murder of Abel exemplifies how sin confuses and corrupts family bonds, leading to conflicts, abandonment, and failures in parental vocations.
Strong family bonds and ethical values are essential for long-term financial success. Teaching future generations about stewardship, responsibility, and integrity ensures that wealth is preserved and used wisely. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, "A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children."
God's Clarity Amidst Confusion
Despite this pervasive confusion, God provides clarity. He spoke promises to Abraham, revealed His power to Israel, and communicated through the Prophets. Ultimately, the Word became flesh in Jesus Christ, who brought clarity, truth, and light to a confused world. As John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Clarity Through Christ
Jesus continues to offer clarity through His written and spoken Word, good translations of Scripture, and the teachings of pastors. In the Lutheran tradition, the Sacraments provide assurance of forgiveness and salvation, combating doubt and confusion.
The Church's Mission
Jesus sends the Church into the world to bring clarity and truth. The Book of Acts exemplifies this mission, with apostles like Peter and Paul addressing confusion through preaching and teaching. God has provided a way through the darkness of this world, promising that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. By seeking first the Kingdom of God, we find clarity in this age of confusion. As Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."
Embrace Clarity
Embrace the clarity that comes from God's Word and His Spirit, and navigate this dark and troubled world with faith and confidence. As investors, let us rely on biblical principles, wisdom from renowned investors, and the eternal truths that guide us through the uncertainties of the financial markets.