4 Non-Financial Moves That Can Benefit Your Financial Future

Give. Get rid of debt. Save for future needs. Invest. These financial moves can benefit your financial future. But there are some non-financial moves that can also help.

But on our stewardship journey, we often overlook the importance of non-financial decisions that can significantly impact our financial well-being. As stewards of God's resources, it's crucial to recognize the value of caring for bodies and the impact it could have on our future financial health.

On your stewardship journey, consider these four non-financial moves that may benefit your financial future:

1. Get enough sleep. In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to sacrifice sleep in pursuit of worldly success. However, the Bible emphasizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Psalm 127:2 (NIV) reminds us, "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves." God designed our bodies to need rest, and adequate sleep is essential for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

By prioritizing restful sleep, we honor God's design for our bodies and equip ourselves to make wise financial decisions with clarity and discernment. Adequate rest also reduces potential health issues in the future, reducing the amount we spend on medical care.

2. Eat healthy. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, entrusted to us by God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Just as we wouldn't defile a church, we should strive to nourish our bodies with healthy foods. Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV) advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags."

By practicing moderation and consuming nutritious foods, we honor God's gift of health and vitality. A well-nourished body will likely lead to better health than a body that has been fueled by junk for several years. The result is a healthier and less costly body to maintain in future years.

3. Exercise regularly. Physical exercise not only benefits our bodies but also our minds. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV), "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Regular exercise helps us maintain good health and vitality, enabling us to fulfill our God-given responsibilities with energy and enthusiasm. Moreover, physical activity can help reduce the likelihood of future heart issues. 4. Reduce stress. Stress is a common adversary in today's fast-paced world, but as followers of Christ, we are called to cast our burdens upon Him (Psalm 55:22). Jesus assures us in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

By praying to God and meditating on His Word, we can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7) and navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. Exercise and setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships can also help manage stress levels.

Our financial health is connected to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. By prioritizing rest, nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction, we honor God's design for our bodies and potentially benefit our future financial health. Let us steward well all that God has provided us, including our bodies.

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