The question often arises as to whether trading in the foreign exchange (FOREX) market is really like gambling, and consequently, morally wrong. Does the Biblethe morality code book for many individualssay anything about money-changing? You bet it does. Lets take a quick look at how money-changing treated in the Bible.
Wrong When Violating Moral Principles
The story in St. John Chapter 2 of the New Testament recounts a situation Jesus encounters when he enters the holy temple in Jerusalem. Now the temple was a place where the Jews from all over the then-known world went to worship and to offer sacrifices for their sins as a means of spiritual cleansing. Therefore, it was considered to be sacred. When Jesus arrives, he notices that the leaders of the temple were conducting business within the confines of the sacred edifice and proceeded to rebuke those in charge along with the vendors. Not only was there the changing of money and selling of animals for sacrifice, but the vendors were actually engaging in unscrupulous and fraudulent transactions, taking advantage of those who were not fortunate enough to bring their sacrifices with them. Taken in context, the actions of Jesus were not condemning the act of money-changing in and of itself, but rather the fact that it was being done inappropriately and in the wrong place. Otherwise, money-changing, a common ancient activity, was viewed by Jesus himself as a good way to invest as discussed in the next section.
Highly Recommended As a Sound Investment
While giving a parable (story with moral lesson) in Matthew 25 of the New Testament, Jesus intimated to his followers the importance of investing wisely that which was entrusted to them. In the story, a rich man goes away for a long time, but leaves his estate and monetary possessions in the hands of his servants. With varying amounts under their custody and control, each servant was expected to increase that which was given to him. Upon his return, the rich man asked for an accounting from each of the servants. With the exception of one, each of the servants had increased by 100 percent the property left to them. The slacker servant, however, earned no return on investment (ROI) simply because he did not invest it. He was afraid to risk losing the money of the rich man, whom he thought would be unmerciful to him if he lost it. Instead, he hid it. In rebuking him, the rich man said to the slothful servant, Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury (interest). Through portraying money changing in a positive light through this parable, Jesus was certainly not condemning it. What a relief! However, as in every profession or vocation, one should strive to be diligent, honest, ethical and profitable. Do not be afraid to take risk. So, my trading comrades, take heart and delight in your currency activities.
Sandy Robinson, J.D., Copyright 2007
If you are ready to change your future by stepping into the exciting world of trading FOREX, go to http://www.winningtradersassociation.com for more information. Author Sandy Robinson, J.D. is part of the Winning Traders Association, an educational organization founded by John Beiler, President. The organization consists of a network of committed trainers and motivated traders willing to provide support to those interested in trading foreign exchange. Many of the members work from home.
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