Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer is an exploration of how to live as an apprentice of Jesus in the modern world. The book delves into the concept of discipleship, or "practicing the way of Jesus," not merely as a set of beliefs but as a holistic lifestyle that encompasses every aspect of life. Comer argues that being a disciple of Jesus involves adopting His teachings, habits, and way of life, with the ultimate goal of becoming more like Him.

The Need for a New Approach to Discipleship

Comer begins by diagnosing a problem within contemporary Christianity: the gap between belief and practice. He observes that many Christians today identify with the faith but struggle to live out the teachings of Jesus in a meaningful and transformative way. This, according to Comer, is largely due to a lack of intentional discipleship—an understanding of following Jesus as an ongoing, everyday practice rather than a one-time decision or a set of intellectual beliefs.

He critiques the modern church's emphasis on information and doctrine, arguing that while these are important, they are insufficient on their own to produce Christlikeness. Instead, Comer calls for a return to the ancient practices of the church, where discipleship was understood as a way of life that required discipline, community, and a deep, personal connection with God.

The Four Movements of Discipleship

Comer structures the book around four key movements or stages of discipleship, each of which represents a different aspect of practicing the way of Jesus. These movements are intended to guide readers through a process of transformation, helping them to integrate the teachings of Jesus into their daily lives.

1. Be with Jesus

The first movement is about cultivating an intimate relationship with Jesus through practices such as prayer, meditation, and silence. Comer emphasizes that the foundation of discipleship is not just learning about Jesus but spending time with Him, learning to hear His voice, and experiencing His presence. This involves setting aside regular time for spiritual disciplines that allow for communion with God and for developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

Comer suggests that in a world filled with noise and distraction, the practice of being with Jesus is more crucial than ever. He encourages readers to find ways to incorporate moments of stillness and reflection into their daily routines, whether through morning devotions, times of solitude, or simply being mindful of God’s presence throughout the day.

2. Become Like Jesus

The second movement focuses on spiritual formation—the process of becoming more like Jesus in character and actions. Comer argues that this transformation happens not just through willpower or trying harder, but through the practices that Jesus Himself modeled. These include disciplines such as fasting, Sabbath, simplicity, and community.

Comer highlights the importance of intentionality in spiritual formation, suggesting that becoming like Jesus requires a deliberate effort to reshape one’s habits, values, and priorities in accordance with His teachings. He also discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in this process, explaining that while human effort is necessary, true transformation is ultimately the work of God’s Spirit in the believer’s life.

3. Do What Jesus Did

The third movement is about putting faith into action by doing the things that Jesus did. This includes not only following His moral teachings but also engaging in the practices of service, healing, justice, and evangelism. Comer argues that discipleship is not just about inner transformation but also about outward action—living out the kingdom of God in tangible ways that impact the world around us.

Comer encourages readers to look at their everyday lives through the lens of Jesus’ ministry, asking how they can bring His love, compassion, and justice into their workplaces, neighborhoods, and relationships. He emphasizes that discipleship involves both personal holiness and social engagement, as followers of Jesus are called to be agents of change in the world.

4. Live in Community

The fourth movement underscores the importance of community in the life of a disciple. Comer points out that Jesus did not practice or teach His way in isolation but did so within the context of a close-knit community of disciples. He argues that true discipleship cannot happen alone; it requires the support, accountability, and encouragement of a community of fellow believers.

Comer discusses the role of the church as the primary context for this community, but he also acknowledges the challenges of building authentic relationships in a culture that often prioritizes individualism and independence. He encourages readers to be intentional about forming and maintaining deep, meaningful relationships with others who are also committed to following Jesus.

The Role of Spiritual Practices

Throughout the book, Comer emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices, or "spiritual disciplines," as the means by which discipleship is lived out. These practices are not ends in themselves but are tools that help to shape and mold the believer’s character, aligning their life with the teachings of Jesus. Comer draws from a variety of traditions and practices, both ancient and contemporary, to offer readers a comprehensive guide to living as an apprentice of Jesus.

Some of the key practices Comer highlights include:

• Prayer: Regular, intentional communication with God, both individually and corporately.
• Sabbath: Observing a day of rest and worship each week as a way to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with God and others.
• Fasting: Voluntarily giving up food or other pleasures to focus on spiritual growth and dependence on God.
• Scripture Reading: Engaging with the Bible regularly as the primary means of hearing from God and learning His will.
• Silence and Solitude: Taking time away from the noise and demands of life to listen to God and reflect on His presence.
• Community: Actively participating in the life of the church and forming deep relationships with other believers.
• Service: Using one’s gifts, time, and resources to meet the needs of others and advance God’s kingdom.

The Challenge of Practicing the Way

Comer is candid about the challenges of practicing the way of Jesus in a modern context. He acknowledges that the demands of contemporary life—work, family, technology, and culture—often make it difficult to live out these practices consistently. However, he also argues that it is precisely in the midst of these challenges that discipleship becomes most meaningful and transformative.

He encourages readers to approach discipleship not as a set of rigid rules but as a way of life that is flexible and adaptable to different circumstances. Comer advocates for a grace-filled approach to discipleship, recognizing that failure and struggle are inevitable but that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain and guide the believer on their journey.

Conclusion: A Call to a New Way of Life

Practicing the Way is a call to a new way of life, one that is deeply rooted in the teachings and example of Jesus. Comer challenges readers to move beyond a superficial, consumer-driven Christianity and to embrace a holistic, transformative discipleship that touches every aspect of life. He offers a vision of discipleship that is not just about believing the right things but about living in a way that reflects the love, compassion, and justice of Jesus.

The book is both an invitation and a challenge to live differently in a world that often pulls in the opposite direction. Comer’s message is clear: the way of Jesus is not easy, but it is worth it. It is a way of life that leads to true freedom, joy, and fulfillment, and it is available to anyone who is willing to take up the call to practice the way of Jesus.