Exploring the Heart of Discipleship: A Review of Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He Did
Sometimes a book lands on your lap at just the right moment in your spiritual journey. For me, Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer felt like a timely invitation to pause and reflect. As someone constantly juggling life’s demands, the subtitle Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He Did echoed deep within me. In a world so often fast-paced and fragmented, Comer’s call to rediscover spiritual practices resonated powerfully.
At its core, Practicing the Way is about authentic discipleship—something that embraces both the ancient and the contemporary. Comer masterfully outlines how we can immerse ourselves in a “Rule of Life,” practical rhythms that slow us down and open our hearts to God’s transformative work. He challenges us to become not just followers of Jesus through intellectual agreement, but true apprentices who embody His teachings. This shift from passive belief to active practice sparked in me a renewed sense of purpose.
I was especially captivated by Comer’s accessible writing style—his blend of theological depth and cultural insight makes complex ideas approachable. He deftly weaves in personal anecdotes that resonate with our everyday experiences. When he writes, “You have to work with your own personality,” it feels like encouragement to embrace our unique journeys of faith rather than fitting into a mold. This gentleness is evident throughout the book, gently guiding readers to explore their relationship with God in ways that feel authentic, rather than prescriptive.
One notable aspect is Comer’s focus on practical exercises, carefully structured around the three core principles: being, becoming, and doing. Each chapter invites introspection, filled with questions for reflection that stimulate a deeper dialogue with oneself, making it perfect for personal or group study. To be a witness rather than a salesperson—a phrase that stuck with me—encapsulates his vision of discipleship: sharing our authentic experiences rather than pushing an agenda.
The book doesn’t shy away from critiques of the Western approach to Christianity, urging readers to cultivate spiritual practices like prayer, silence, and community. This can feel intimidating yet liberating. The honesty in Comer’s voice makes you feel like you are sitting in a cozy coffee shop, having a heart-to-heart conversation about life, faith, and everything in between.
In closing, Practicing the Way is more than just a guide—it’s an anchor in a tumultuous sea of modern life. Anyone seeking to deepen their faith or struggling with the complexities of Christian living will find wisdom, warmth, and inspiration in its pages. This book is a reminder that with intention, we can reshape our lives around Jesus’ example—not just through belief, but through lived experience.
If you’re at a crossroads in your faith journey or simply looking to rekindle your connection to the divine, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this transformative read. It’s like a balm for the soul, urging us all to slow down and truly practice the way of Jesus.
You can find Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. here >>