Google defines conditioning as “the process of training or accustoming a person to behave in a certain way or to accept certain circumstances”
In an effort to compete at the highest level, athletes must condition their bodies by—training in a certain way and accepting certain circumstances—in order be in the best shape.
This requires making sacrifices—eating certain foods, enduring grueling physical regiments, working long hours—to get in, and stay in tip top shape.
In the Bible's reference of 1 Corinthians 9:27, the Apostle Paul says this, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
This verse acknowledges that a pattern of self-denial is needed to ensure that our physical, mental and spiritual bodies are strengthened to accomplish our intended purpose.
Time spent in prayer, meditating on scripture and making decisions that align with Godly characteristics instead of selfish agendas are the beginning of my personal conditioning.
Physically, I must force my body—hands, knees, tongue—to initiate actions that will help me to be successful at developing a closer relationship with God. Mentally, I must engage in repetitious God-thoughts. Spiritually, I must focus on God, His ways, His wisdom and His powers to make me more like Him.
It means getting up early, staying up late and letting go of devilish desires to “Do ME” instead of obeying God.
Qualifying for me means living a life that is acceptable to God—it's not enough to talk a good game, I have to live it.
Conditioning requires the consistency and the determination to say 'yes' when I feel like saying 'no'.
When it comes to conditioning, my physical, my mental and my spiritual beings must come together as one to obtain goals that allow God to mold and shape me into A Woman of Godly Influence.
Today, I aim to Go for the Gold.