Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do … – A Reflective Review
As a book blogger, I often find myself diving into works that challenge and inspire spiritual growth, but I approached John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do … with mixed anticipation. Known for his heartfelt explorations of faith, Comer draws readers in, but this particular book has left me feeling somewhat disheartened. I wanted to engage with his ideas, but I quickly found myself grappling with the underlying implications of those thoughts.
At its core, Practicing the Way invites readers into a transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of being with Jesus as the first step in the disciple’s journey. The premise is compelling: we need to develop habits and practices that help us mimic Christ in our everyday lives. However, as I turned the pages, I couldn’t shake the sensation that Comer’s framework risked oversimplifying the complexities of faith, particularly when dissecting things like sanctification and obedience.
Comer’s sincerity shines through; I can sense his longing to cultivate holiness in a community that is eager to grow. He outlines nine rules for this journey—practical steps toward becoming Christ-like. While I appreciate the practicalities, I was left questioning the motivation behind these behaviors. Practicing these rules fervently could lead one to Christ-like actions without truly understanding Him. It’s akin to trying to embody the principles of a great leader while neglecting the story of their struggles, sacrifices, and ultimate teachings.
His approach can feel like encouraging muscle memory without a deeper connection to the strength that comes from truly knowing Christ. As I read, I thought of the ultimate irony: one could follow these nine rules perfectly and end up missing the heart of the Gospel—salvation through Christ’s crucifixion, the very foundation of grace and mercy. The poignant lines from William Cowper’s hymn emerged in my mind: “No strength of nature can suffice to serve the Lord aright.” This sentiment encapsulates a crucial aspect that feels overlooked in Comer’s analysis.
In terms of writing style, Comer offers clear prose and relatable illustrations, which keeps the pacing lively. However, I found moments where this clarity could overshadow the profound depth of Christ’s love and sacrifice. The depth of the theological implications risks being lost in a checklist mentality.
One concept that echoed strongly was the notion of doing as Jesus did without the context of who He was and what He accomplished on the cross. This distinction resonates with the eternal truths of the Gospel: you cannot have resurrection power without acknowledging the blood that was shed. I couldn’t help but think that while Comer highlights the importance of following Christ’s example, it is also critical to understand His sacrifice as the source of our ability to act.
Ultimately, I believe Practicing the Way may resonate more profoundly with individuals seeking straightforward, actionable steps to enhance their spiritual lives. However, for those of us yearning for a deeper reflection on the significance of Christ’s life and death, this journey may seem lacking.
In closing, while this book sparked a good deal of introspection for me, it also reminded me of the heart of our faith—Christ crucified. It’s a powerful reminder that our journey of faith must be rooted in an understanding of grace, mercy, and the radical love that transforms us from within. If you’re open to a practice-oriented perspective of discipleship, you might glean some insights—yet I urge you not to overlook the foundational truths that breathe life into those practices.
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