Transformation Series Episode 8

Transformation Series Episode 8

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So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Hello, my walking friend! If this is your first time walking while listening to this podcast, welcome! I hope that this episode helps you set your focus on Jesus and his principles as you walk. If you have listened to this podcast before, well then, welcome back! And I pray that you can feel the spiritual discipline of quiet time with Jesus and meditation on His word growing! 

Today is the 8^th episode in the transformation series and our verse to meditate on is 1 Corinthians 10:31:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

If you are listening to this episode or series, then I am guessing you are looking for transformation in some area of your life. Maybe you have been trying to eat healthier, exercise more, be a better spouse, parent or friend. Maybe you are trying to be a better steward with the riches Jesus has given you. If you have been at it for any length of time, you might start to feel your motivation decline. You might find it harder to stay the course. And staying the course happens one decision, one choice at a time. Eat that donut or not. Go for a short walk and listen to a Bible verse, or plop down on the couch. Splurge on that extra fancy coffee, or wait till you get home and make a cup there. Each of those struggles would apply to me personally and I share them with you because I want you to know you are not alone in your own struggles! 

But that is what is so wonderful about this verse. It is so simple. It contains only 18 words and if we used it as a filter before making decisions around those areas of life we would like to transform, well, we would be helping Jesus transform us a whole lot faster! 

If I eat this donut, will I be doing it for the glory of God? Honestly, sometimes the answer might be yes. Am I at church, in fellowship with family and friends? Then maybe. Is it a treat I have once in a while? Okay, maybe. Have I exercised so much that I can afford the extra calories? For me, not likely, but if that is the case for you, then thank God for the donut and eat it! But the reality is that most of the time, for me at least, when I eat the donut, or two, I feel guilty because I know it goes contrary to my desire to be healthier. I have a long road ahead of me to get there, and so, eating that donut, or candy bar, or whatever other unhealthy choice I have made at that moment won’t bring glory to God.

I know, I’ve really harped on the donuts, haven’t I? I’m sure you get the idea.  

What if we asked ourselves each time we are faced with a choice or decision, especially with regard to an area of life we are trying to transform, “Will drinking this or eating this or doing this bring glory to God?” What if, when the answer is no, we made a different choice? Honestly, what I am thinking right now is, wow, that would be so hard! Maybe you are thinking the same thing. If so, I wish you could tell me so I wouldn’t feel like I was the only one! 

But even though it’s hard, we know that we can do all things through Jesus who gives us the strength. And even though we might not always make choices that bring God glory, we know that there is now no condemnation for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. We will have another opportunity to make a God-glorifying choice. 

The road to transformation isn’t easy, remember the apostle Paul said, I do what I don’t want to do and I don’t do what I know I should. You’re not alone. But this little, but mighty, verse is a good tool to keep us on track when our motivation starts to decline. 

So take a little time now to meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:31:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection. 

Think about one specific area of your life that you are wanting to transform. How is your motivation level to stay the course? Be honest. Remember, Jesus knows your heart and mind and he is not walking with you to judge you but to encourage you and help you! 

Take some time to recommit to your transformation goals and ask Jesus to give you the strength, vision and hope to stay the course.

Have you ever thought about what it means to do all for the glory of God? Take some time to consider that now. 

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:

1 Corinthians 10:31:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Forgive me when the choices I make in life don’t bring you glory. Help me live my life in a way that does. Help me stay motivated to make the choices that will lead to the transformation I am seeking. A truly transformed life is one that reflects you and your glory. This is the life I want to live but I can only do it through your strength, Jesus, so please help me. Amen. 

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, who is ready, willing and able to strengthen you on your journey toward transformation. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today. 

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue our process of transformation. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.