Jonathan McReynolds Opens Up about Perfectionism and Faith in New Book 'Before You Climb Any Higher'
Jonathan McReynolds is a Grammy award-winning artist who many of his admirers and fans see as a trusting voice to listen to, which has led him to write his story in his new book Before You Climb Any Higher. McReynolds breaks down his personal story of how God showed him that we are more than our personal accomplishments and goals.
McReynolds leaves nothing on the field in telling his story to help others realize that God loves them for who they are and not for what they do. In a sit-down interview with Crosswalk Headlines, McReynolds opens up and sets the record straight.
Crosswalk Headlines: Why did you decide to write the book?
Jonathan McReynolds: What I've learned as a songwriter is how to see the theme of a season, see the move and the lesson of the season, see the predicament of the season, and see the issue of the season. It was a long process of me realizing that I kind of hit a wall; I hit the wall probably months prior to writing the book. I had all the scars and all the injuries, but because I'm wired to keep going, to keep working and keep showing up, I just kept going.
CWH: In the book, you detail your need for perfection and being a work alcoholic. Can you explain what that looked like for you?
JM: I do have a workaholic streak for sure; it's an idea that a day is not productive. A day is not worth it. A day is not complete. A day is not valuable unless something gets done. The idea is that every day has to be full of upward progress, upward motion, or at least strategy on how to do it. This may sound noble, but life isn't and shouldn't be lived as a work alcoholic. It's really about an internal demand that you put on yourself to constantly work, to constantly grind, to constantly pursue success, to constantly pursue and hire more. It sounds like a very noble thing until every day and every moment is defined by it, and you realize it's a toxic way to live.
CWH: How do you think you fell into being a work alcoholic?
JM: Through my background growing up and bad theology. Pursuit and your relentless pursuit of something that isn't Him. I think so much so often preachers and the gospel artists and the men and women of God slowly start to replace Him doing something for us. I'm making the case that it's possible that the relentless pursuit of the due is still not as good as the relentless pursuit of the being, and that's the being a son or a daughter of God, being close to Him, being intimate with Him, being aware of Him. Therefore, being aware when He's no longer around, and you're up on that mountain on your own ambition.
CWH: Do you regret being so transparent in the book?
JM: I don't. If anyone has followed my music, I've always been maybe irresponsibly transparent. I don't really see it as an issue. The problem is within Christian ministry, a lot of times the uglier places are not talked about.
CWH: Why do you think you resonate with your audience?
JM: That's on God. I'm blessed and honored in what He allows me to do. I hope I'm presenting to my audience what I'm hoped to and what I need from Christ throughout my ministry and concerts.
CWH: You talk about being a people pleaser in the book. Can you please describe that?
JM: It's very much a daily crucifixion, and I have to remind myself that you are not the mountain that you're climbing.
CWH: What do you enjoy about writing?
JM: What I really enjoy is the surgery of writing. I think it's surgical, both the writing process and what you do to yourself to get the best result. I carry a scalpel around all day and use it on myself the most. It's fun for me to see what's in there.
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/jonmcreynolds
Originally published February 24, 2025.
