Episode Details

Staying on Course by Jimmy Seghers

Guest: Jimmy Seghers, Author of The Fullness of Truth

Episode Summary

In this moving and deeply spiritual episode, renowned scripture scholar and apologist Jimmy Seghers shares profound insights on the journey toward true holiness. Drawing from the Song of Songs and the wisdom of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Jimmy breaks down the stages of spiritual growth—the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways—and challenges listeners to fully surrender their wills to Christ.

Through personal anecdotes of conversion, historical saintly examples, and a striking nautical analogy, Jimmy explains that holiness is not about our own spectacular actions but    about allowing Christ to live and love through us in the present moment.

Key Themes & Takeaways

• The Three Kisses of Spiritual Life: Utilizing St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s 87 homilies on the Song of Songs, Jimmy explores the developmental stages of faith:
  • The Kiss of the Feet (The Purgative Way): The stage of intense repentance, turning away from mortal sin, and entering life from death (symbolized by Mary Magdalene).
  • The Kiss of the Hand (The Illuminative Way): A period of spiritual adolescence where love shifts from emotional and selfish to a committed, self-sacrificing will (symbolized by Peter being pulled from the waves).
  • The Kiss of the Mouth (The Unitive Way): The way of perfection and spiritual adulthood where our entire being is united with God’s will.
• The Danger of Attachments: Many Christians get “stuck” in the illuminative way because of earthly attachments. Like Gulliver tied down by tiny strings, we are often held back from wholehearted love by small, subtle attachments rather than a desire for grievous sin.
• The 211° vs. 1° Misconception: Jimmy shares a personal realization about his own spiritual life. He thought he was “hot water” at 211° needing just one more degree to become a powerhouse. Instead, he realized he was at 1°, and Christ is the 211° powerhouse we must surrender to.
• Holiness in the Ordinary: Authentic love is an act of the will, not a feeling. True transformation happens when ordinary, mundane actions (like changing diapers or cleaning toilets) are done strictly out of love for Christ.
• The Danger of Being Two Degrees Off: In navigating a ship from Los Angeles to Hawaii, being a mere 2 degrees off course means being completely lost at sea. Regular course correction through scripture and grace is essential to stay aligned with God’s will.

This talk by Jimmy Seghers was given on February 1, 2026, the 1^st day of the Water Walking Women Retreat on the Caribbean Visitation Cruise Jan.31^st– Feb. 14^th 2026.

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