A Heartfelt Reflection on Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do …
When I first stumbled upon Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do … by John Mark Comer, I was curious—drawn in by its promise of transformation and intimacy with Christ. Living in a world buzzing with distractions, I yearned for a resource that could deepen my relationship with Jesus and empower my daily walk of faith. However, as I delved deeper into its pages, I found myself wrestling with profound questions about the essence of faith and what it truly means to follow Christ.
At the heart of Comer’s book lies a noble aspiration: to cultivate a life that mirrors the character and actions of Jesus. His nine “rules” for practicing the way of Christ present a framework that offers readers tangible steps towards cultivating a holy life. While there’s no denying Comer’s sincerity or his desire for fellow believers to grow in holiness, I couldn’t help but feel a hint of disillusionment. The book often felt like a checklist, and as enticing as it was, I wondered: what’s the deeper motivation behind these actions?
In many ways, this exploration offered a practice-review, nudging me towards introspection. Yet, as a reader, I found myself grappling with the idea that these behaviors alone, devoid of deeper spiritual roots, might lead to a hollow pursuit of holiness. Comer’s approach, revolving around sanctification through osmosis and imitation, raised a troubling truth: one could embody these nine rules flawlessly yet still void of a personal relationship with Christ.
What struck me most were the moments that felt like they skimmed over critical elements of the Christian faith—the death of Christ as an essential foundation for our lives. Comer’s assertion that we may overly emphasize Christ’s crucifixion, to the detriment of focusing on His life, resonated with me. However, it left me pondering: can we truly understand the life Jesus calls us to without confronting the significance of His sacrificial love? This tension echoed within me, reinforcing the idea that the essence of Christianity lies not just in behavior but in a profound relationship with Him who redeems us.
Comer’s writing style is approachable, almost conversational, which makes the book an easy read. Yet, the thoughtful exploration often felt eclipsed by a lack of emphasis on grace, leaving me longing for a fuller picture of the gospel. The soul of Christianity encompasses so much more than mere adherence to rules; it pulses with the transformative power of Christ’s love and sacrifice.
One passage from William Cowper’s hymn came to mind throughout my reading: “Changes a slave into a child, / And duty into choice”. This beautifully encapsulates the essence of our journey. The heart of our faith lies in grace that liberates and empowers, not merely in striving to meet standards.
In the end, Practicing the Way may be well-suited for those looking for practical steps to journey in faith, particularly for new believers seeking to establish habits that align with Christ-like behavior. However, I wouldn’t recommend it without this caveat: remember that transformative grace must undergird any attempt to embody the life of Jesus.
Reflecting on my reading experience, I leave with a renewed hunger for the heart of the gospel—a desire to anchor my actions in a flowing relationship with Christ, for it is through His love that we truly become more like Him.
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