Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Wake-Up Call
Episode: Growth Is a Game of Degrees and Inches
Host: John David (J.D.) Walt with guests David Walt and others
Date: March 20, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers on the nature of spiritual growth, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual maturity. The host reflects on the slow, almost imperceptible progress of becoming more Christlike (“from one degree of glory to another”) and invites listeners to consider how we might notice, measure, and participate in the transformation God brings to our lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Consecration and Scripture (00:04–02:00)

• The morning begins with prayerful consecration and a recitation of 2 Corinthians 3:18:

  “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

• Sets the tone for the episode: awakening to God’s transformative work in everyday life.

2. The Family “Measuring” Ritual – An Analogy (02:01–06:30)

• J.D. Walt shares a vivid family tradition: each cousin in the family has a board on the chimney at “Camp David” (his parents’ Arkansas River home) to track how much they’ve grown over the years.
• The focus isn’t on competing with others but on personal growth over time:

  “It brings the first transformational question into sharp focus, doesn’t it? Am I growing?” (06:09)

3. Spiritual Growth: Small Steps Over Time (06:31–09:00)

• Physical growth is visible by inches; spiritual growth happens “by degrees.”
• Reflection on the passage:

  “Our physical bodies grow by inches. The Bible indicates our souls grow by degrees. Watch for it… being transformed... from one degree of glory to another.”

• Questions are posed:

  “What does one degree of glory look like? How might we attempt to measure it?” (07:36)

• Suggests that spiritual growth is real and, while subtle in the short-term, produces dramatic change over years.

4. Can We Measure Spiritual Growth? (09:01–11:00)

• Pushback: “Growth in the grace of God can’t be measured.”
• J.D. responds: if we measure everything else, why not growth in grace?

  “The real question is, do we have the will to measure it? Do we really want to know?” (09:23)

• Encourages honest self-examination, with the assurance this isn’t about self-criticism but noticing God’s work.

5. Long-Term Transformation: Testimony and Lived Experience (11:01–13:00)

• J.D. shares personal testimony:

  “I used to be a very critical person… I’m not critical anymore. I used to be a somewhat angry person… I’m not really angry anymore. I’m not who I used to be.” (12:35)

• Suggests that while there isn’t a “board” for spiritual attributes, perhaps there could be categories like “joyful, patient, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, goodness, self-control.”
• Emphasizes:

  “We’re not assessing ourselves, we’re assessing the work of God in us. Big difference.” (13:00)

6. Spiritual Growth Is Participatory, Not Self-Driven (13:01–14:10)

• Not about “trying harder” but about “putting ourselves in consecration, where Jesus can come.”
• Key reflection:

  “I’m participating, but I’m not in control. I’m not running this show anymore. I’m learning to surrender. I’m learning to be submissive to God.” (13:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Growth’s Subtlety:

  “[Transformation] is, like I say, almost imperceptible to watch happen. You can’t see it happen at the time. But then you, over periods of time, you can see definite growth.” (11:50)

• On God’s Work Versus Self-Improvement:

  “That’s self-improvement. Doesn’t work. I’m no longer trying harder to do more, to be better. I’m learning to put myself in the place of consecration where Jesus can come.” (13:09)

• On Measuring Growth:

  “What if we had a board that just said: joyful, patient, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, goodness, self control?” (12:50)

• On God’s Love:

  “His love, it’s a durable love. It’s a forgiving love. It’s a reconciling love.” (15:00)

Hymn and Discussion on God’s Love (15:12–18:00)

• The group sings “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go” (starts at 15:12), reminding listeners of the tenacity and endurance of God’s love.
• J.D. highlights a subtle but important difference:

  “We always talk about Jesus loves you... but it’s kind of next level, you know? There’s a lot of people that you love because you kind of feel like you got to love them, but you don’t really like them. But is something. When you like a person, you’ll eventually love him. That’s right. And Jesus... love is so full that he won’t let you go.” (13:29–14:15)

• Dad David Walt adds:

  “If you have God’s love for somebody or anybody, you’re going to be happy. And, and that person will feel it. Whether he knows it or not, he’ll feel that love.” (15:15–15:30)

Practical Takeaways & Call to Reflection (11:40–14:10)

• Prompts for Listeners:
  • Grapple with the question: “Am I growing?”
  • Consider: “How might you define a degree of glory and how might you go about measuring it?” (11:40)
  • Reminder: Don’t use these reflections for self-recrimination; rather, celebrate God’s patient, ongoing work.

Final Announcements & Closing (18:00–21:04)

• Upcoming Series Announcement:
  • New series titled “Unpuzzled” launching April 6th, walking through Ephesians, complete with a workbook and video teachings (19:15–20:35).
• Encouragement for listeners to share, invite others, and reflect on their own journey.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Consecration & Scripture: 00:04–02:00
• Family Measuring Board Story: 02:01–06:30
• Discussion on Spiritual Growth: 06:31–14:10
• Hymn Introduction & Singing: 15:12–18:00
• God’s Love Discussion: 13:29–15:30
• Reflection Prompts: 11:40–14:10
• Series Announcement & Closing: 18:00–21:04

Conclusion

“Growth is a game of degrees and inches”—both slower and more wondrous than we realize. This episode invites listeners to wake up to the gentle, steady work of God in our lives, and to participate by consecrating ourselves, reflecting on God’s work, and rejoicing in a love that will not let us go.