Count the Cost: Merging Financial & Biblical Terminology

Chapter 2: The Body of Christ - God's ETF

With a thoughtful expression, Jacob opened his laptop and entered the familiar chat room. The chatter among traders was lively, ranging from bullish projections to cheeky market memes. Yet, amidst this digital frenzy, Jacob felt a pull towards a deeper conversation. After a moment of hesitation, he typed, "Ethan, you've mentioned this to others before, how does the concept of the Body of Christ relate to our trading community? Does it apply here?"

The question hung in the buzzing chat room, drawing attention from a few regulars. Ethan, ever perceptive, recognized Jacob's genuine quest for understanding. He quickly replied, "Great question, Jacob! Think of us as an Exchange-Traded Fund, or an ETF. Just as an ETF pools different assets, such as a multitude of stocks for a collective investment purpose, that's like the Body of Christ— a multitude of saved, different individuals working together towards a shared purpose."

Jacob's curiosity piqued. "So, you're saying the Body of Christ is like a financial portfolio, each bringing different strengths or insights?"

"Exactly!" Ethan began, energizing the conversation with his vivid analogy. "In the Body of Christ, each member has unique strengths to contribute—just like each trader has distinct strategies and experiences. When the Body of Christ comes together to share insights, we create a stronger, more resilient community, called the Church. Some traders may excel at technical analysis, while others thrive on fundamental insights. When we combine these resources, we increase our chances of success, much like how an ETF diversifies risk."

The chat room buzzed with agreement. Jacob felt a newfound sense of understanding in this analogy that resonated deeply. Ethan read from 1 Corinthians Chapter 12:4-30 "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.

That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"

"Granted, this was written to the Church in it's very early stages, Jacob," Ethan continued, "but there's also a deeper principle at play here. In finance, we talk about shared resources. The best investments often come from pooling knowledge, just as the Body of Christ thrives on collaboration and mutual support. Each time a trader shares a tip or strategy, they're investing in the collective wisdom of the group. That is what makes us and them stronger—the interconnectedness."

Jacob leaned back, reflecting on this revelation. "So, in a way, they're like a portfolio of faith. After all, we don't merely pursue our individual trades; we're also uplifting each other as we navigate these markets."

"Precisely," Ethan affirmed. "When one member succeeds, it benefits the whole community, much like how the success of one asset in an ETF can uplift the overall value. And when challenges arise, we lean on each other, sharing the burden. This sense of support mirrors how believers are called to bear one another's burdens, as mentioned in Galatians 6:2."

Jacob felt the weight of both responsibility and empowerment. He typed, "That means it's right to contribute my insights, too, right? It's part of the process."

"With your unique thoughts and experiences, absolutely! By actively participating, you enrich not only your own journey but also help others along theirs. That's what makes this community—this ETF of traders—thrive," Ethan replied.

As the conversation continued, Jacob felt a spark of commitment igniting within him. He finally understood that every trade was not just a personal endeavor; it was a stepping stone in a collaborative adventure where every trader had a role to play, united in shared knowledge, faith, and purpose. Through this lens of interconnectedness, the journey ahead in the trading world seemed even more promising and meaningful.