Review of Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do … by John Mark Comer
There’s something particularly magnetic about John Mark Comer. I first came across his work during a period of personal exploration, seeking to deepen my spiritual walk. So, when Practicing the Way came out, I was eager to dive into its pages, expecting both inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live in the way of Jesus. However, I found my experience to be more complicated than anticipated, teetering between intrigue and disillusionment.
At its core, Practicing the Way invites readers to embody the life of Christ through a series of actionable "rules" designed to guide one’s behavior. Comer presents these nine rules not merely as suggestions, but as essential practices for anyone wanting to align their life with Christ. The sincerity in his voice is palpable; one can’t help but feel he genuinely desires to see people flourish in their faith.
However, this is where my own discontent with the book surfaces. While it operates as a practical framework for behavior-checking, it raises a critical question: What truly motivates such behavior? For Comer, the emphasis seems to fall on sanctification by osmosis and imitation. Yet, I believe this risks oversimplifying the profound depths of grace found in the gospel. It’s reminiscent of a gym routine where one engages in exercises without the necessary understanding of muscle mechanics. You may shape up on the outside, but without the right motivation and heart change, what value does it truly hold?
Comer asserts that we’ve overemphasized Christ’s sacrificial death to the detriment of his miraculous life, but I sense a tension here. In sidestepping the gravity of the crucifixion, he may unintentionally construct a framework that lacks its foundational heartbeat. Christ’s death isn’t merely a pattern for moral living; it is the epicenter from which all grace flows. Without acknowledging the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, the life of transformation loses its real power. In essence, implementing these nine rules could leave one in a legalistic treadmill, just as I could follow any number of religious rules without experiencing a heartfelt relationship with Christ.
Throughout the book, notable moments shine through, particularly when Comer delineates between duty and genuine choice in obedience. One quote resonated profoundly with me:
"Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose His ways."
This illustrates the heart of true Christian transformation—motivation born out of love, not obligation. It echoes the poetry of William Cowper, where servile works are transformed into joyful obedience. I found myself reflecting on moments in my own spiritual journey where I, too, strived for obedience without the guiding light of grace.
Although my heart was often torn while reading Practicing the Way, I can see it being beneficial for those embarking on their faith journeys. If you’re seeking practical steps to become more Christ-like—perhaps you are new to faith or hungry for practical application—this book may provide a compelling framework, albeit one that requires a careful, grace-filled approach.
For seasoned believers, however, it’s essential to engage thoughtfully with this text, ensuring that the foundation of grace remains central to the call toward transformation. Ultimately, reading Practicing the Way challenged me to think critically about how we engage with our faith. While Comer’s sincerity and insights shone through, my hope is that readers embrace the full gospel narrative—not just the surface-level application of Christ’s life.
In the end, this journey through Practicing the Way serves as a reminder that the strength to “be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did” flows not from our own ability to mimic, but from a deep, transformative connection with the heart of Christianity itself.
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