To learn how to get intentional with our thinking, we first have to come to terms with what our default mode is.

Let’s face this truth: We were born into a fallen world and therefore are sinners. (The Bible clearly states in Romans 3 “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”)

What is default mode?

In computer technology, a default is a pre-designed value or setting that is used by a computer program when a value or setting is not specified by the program user. Default pertains to something that is used when something else is not supplied or specified. (see more here if you’re so inclined: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/default)

How does this apply to us?

Our default mode, at least mine, is not usually good.

Simply put, our default mode is how we respond and react to things when we don’t get specific and intentional with our thoughts.  

And we know that our thoughts lead to action.

For instance, when I’m driving, I get impatient….very impatient.

When I’m tired, I snack more and make unhealthy food choices.

I give my better self to other people and things and don’t leave a lot of time and energy for the ones closest to me.

I tend to compare my business and my content with other people instead of being confident in the calling God has placed on my life and the message He’s entrusted to me to share.

I put myself down and get caught up in being dissatisfied with how I look.

I could go on and on.

But the point is this: when I’m not intentional about my thoughts, I go to the place of easy way out. I go to the dark side of my attitudes, then negative actions and behaviors follow.

I won’t quote this entire passage of scripture (please take a minute to read it for yourself), but Romans 7:14-25 in summary basically says “I know what I should do, and I want to do good, but I don’t. I mess up and keep messing up.”

There’s this conflict in us and we have to get intentional with our thinking so we can become intentional about how we live our lives.

In the matter of health and fitness, whether it’s body image or weight loss or exercise, we have to get intentional about how we are going to live and treat our bodies.

Our default mode is to hit the snooze instead of get up and exercise.

The dark side of us makes excuses for why we keep putting off healthy living.

Fast food will always be easier than preparing and packing a healthy lunch.

But, and here’s what you’ve been waiting for, the light in us is brighter than that dark side.

It’s more powerful than any default mode.

We just have to plug in….and stay plugged into that Source.

And this takes us back to Faith and Fitness.

This isn’t just a fitness blog. You can find those anywhere. This is about adding in the faith piece.

Faith is the key ingredient to sustainable healthy living.

This is what I know for sure: I need that every single day. I need a fresh dose. I need to plug in to my Source. Because that’s my only hope of getting close to getting it right.

So I keep programming my mind and my thoughts so that my default mode improves…even if just a tiny bit.

How can you change your default mode: Daily time with the Programmer.

Commit your fitness journey to Him.

Seek Him about how to honor your body in the way that He uniquely created it.

Treat your body like the temple that it is.

Develop healthy habits.

Gather with other women who will support you on your journey.

I’d like to think that eventually our default mode will no longer be our dark side.  Instead, as we get intentional with our thinking and practice it daily, we’ll soon default to better ways of living.

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

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