Seven deadly sins and financial investments

Mahatma Gandhi believed there were seven deadly spiritual sins, which included the following:

• Wealth without Work
• Pleasure without Conscience
• Science without Humanity
• Knowledge without Character
• Politics without Principle
• Commerce without Morality
• Worship without Sacrifice

With the current plunge in the stock market it seems there are going to be far fewer of us guilty of the crime of wealth without work.  The S&P 500 is down 18 percent since 4/29/2011. Even investments in "Real" Estate have turned sour for many.

As the "sound investments" many of us have made take a pounding one has to wonder about where are the quality and secure investments.  In my work to support children of disadvantaged circumstances I don't recall anyone feeling like they made a poor investment when they gave of their time or money to help a child.  I'm sure the same might be true of feeding the hungry, or investing in clean water for those without.  

When it comes to investing Jesus Christ urged "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and thieves break in and steal."  (Matthew 6:19)  

Looking for a sound investment?  It might just be wisest to invest in the lives of others. As so often is the case, through such giving we receive far more than we give.