Why the Christian Life Isn’t “Up and to the Right”

28 snips

Apr 28, 2026

A candid conversation about progressive sanctification and why spiritual growth is a long, messy journey. They explore suffering’s shaping role and how perseverance matters more than perfection. The Beatitudes are used as a practical roadmap for everyday holiness. Honest stories and pastoral care highlight that struggle does not equal disqualification.

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ADVICE

Bring Your Whole Self To Jesus And Don't Quit

When discouraged, remember hardship isn't wasted; bring doubts and whole self to Jesus instead of quitting.
Chandler's core motto: if you don't quit, you win—persistence in relationship matters more than flawless progress.

INSIGHT

Sanctification Moves In A Coil Not A Line

Sanctification is not a steady upward climb but a horizontal coil with highs and lows that all move you forward.
Matt Chandler argues hardships, disappointments, and spiritual deserts are integral to growth and not signs of failure.

INSIGHT

Positional Victory Does Not Eliminate Present Struggle

Operating from Christ's victory changes how you experience trials: victory is positional now but experiential later.
Chandler contrasts over-realized expectations with living in present victory while still walking through obedience and struggle.

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In this episode, we’re diving into Matt’s new book Becoming Like Jesus: The Everyday Journey to Living a Life of Holiness. We talk about what it actually looks like to follow Jesus over the long haul—not the polished, “up and to the right” version, but the real story of highs, lows, doubt, growth, and grace.

We unpack how sanctification isn’t a moment or a light switch—it’s a lifelong process. We share why so many of us get discouraged when suffering or struggle shows up, and how that might actually be part of God’s good work in us. We also talk through the Beatitudes as a framework for understanding what Jesus is forming in us over time.

More than anything, we hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not behind, you’re not disqualified, and you’re not alone. If you don’t quit—if you keep bringing your whole self to Jesus—you’re actually right in the middle of the journey He’s using to make you more like Him.

ORDER MY LATEST BOOK

Becoming Like Jesus is a book about “progressive sanctification” that takes it beyond church words into the honest conversation so many Christians have navigated. Rooted in the Beatitudes, this book unpacks the lifelong series of highs and lows that the Holy Spirit uses to shape us into a person who looks like Jesus.

If you Pre-Order the book now, you will get access to some bonus content, including access to a 2 hour long conversation we got to have with our friends, Ali Parsons, Philip Anthony Mitchell, Joel Muddamalle, and Jonathan Pokluda. You can Pre-Order here.

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