Book Review: Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do …
When I first encountered Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, the title struck me as an invitation to a deeper, transformative journey of faith. In a world brimming with distractions, the idea of "being with Jesus" felt like a longing whisper. Yet, as I dove into the text, what I found was a disheartening mixture of insight and concern that left me wrestling with profound questions about the essence of true discipleship.
Comer aims to guide readers through a practical journey of emulating Christ. He lays out nine rules for living a Christ-like life, and his sincerity shines clearly throughout the pages. This is an author who genuinely cares about helping individuals grow closer to God and seek holiness. However, as I sifted through Comer’s advice, I couldn’t help but feel an unease about the foundational premise. The rules, while potentially beneficial as a behavioral check, felt somewhat hollow when divorced from the heart of the gospel—the sacrificial love of Christ.
One of the recurring themes in Practicing the Way is the idea that transformation can be achieved through imitating Jesus—a concept I grapple with. I could almost hear the echo of William Cowper’s poignant lines about striving without success, reminding me that it’s not enough to adhere to rules. Comer seems to worry that the church overemphasizes Christ’s death, ignoring His life, but I found myself questioning whether he glossed over the very sacrifice that infuses our actions with grace and power. You can’t embrace resurrection without first acknowledging the crucifixion. The incisive clarity of Romans 6-7 reflects this reality—salvation and sanctification are deeply intertwined, on a path illuminated by Christ’s atonement.
The writing style is engaging, often conversational, which makes it easy to digest the concepts presented. However, I felt there were moments where clarity faltered, especially when major theological principles were seemingly simplified into mere behavioral patterns. I was reminded of other religious frameworks—like Buddhism’s Eightfold Path or the five pillars of Islam—that, while admirable, still lack the grace-infused heart of Christianity.
One memorable quote from the book that resonated with my own journey is, “To see the law by Christ fulfilled and hear His pardoning voice, changes a slave into a child, and duty into choice.” This perfectly encapsulates how life’s true transformation isn’t found in striving but in the freedom bestowed by Christ’s love and sacrifice.
Despite my reservations, Practicing the Way undoubtedly holds value, particularly for readers looking to cultivate Christ-like habits in their lives. Those who appreciate Comer’s previous works may find familiar comfort here. However, it is vital to approach these teachings with a keen awareness of the foundational truths of the Christian faith—not as a set of tasks but as a relationship steeped in grace.
In closing, if you are yearning for a deeper connection with Christ, this book offers a starting point, though I encourage you to meld its advice with a robust understanding of Christ’s love and sacrifice. In my personal reading journey, it served as a thoughtful reminder that the heart of our faith must always lead our practices.
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