"The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who…are identified as 'Christians' will become disciples—students, apprentices, practitioners—of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence." – Dallas Willard, as quoted by John Mark Comer .
As someone who struggles with accepting that God genuinely wants what's good for me despite being a sinner, and finding prayer difficult due to past experiences with my earthly father, John Mark Comer's "Practicing the Way: Be With Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did." offers profound insights and practical steps that have been transformative for me.
Understanding God's Goodness
One of the core messages Comer emphasizes is the relentless and unconditional love of God. Despite our imperfections and sins, God's desire for our well-being remains unwavering. Comer writes:
"God's love is not a reward for the good, but a source of transformation for the sinner."
This perspective invites us to shift from seeing God as a distant judge to experiencing Him as a loving Father. It can be challenging, especially when personal experiences have shaped a different image of fatherhood. Yet, Comer encourages us to delve deeper into understanding God's nature through scripture and Jesus' life.
Overcoming Struggles with Prayer
For many, prayer can be a daunting practice, particularly when past relationships with earthly fathers have been spiritually lacking. Comer addresses this by highlighting the importance of re-learning what it means to relate to God:
"Prayer is not a performance but a relationship. It's about being with the Father, who loves us unconditionally."
He suggests that we start small, approaching prayer as a conversation rather than a ritual. This means being honest with God about our struggles, fears, and doubts, much like we would with a trusted friend. Comer emphasizes:
"In prayer, we don't need to impress God. We just need to be present with Him."
Practicing the Way: The Three Goals of an Apprentice
Comer's book is structured around three primary goals for those who wish to follow Jesus:
1. Be with Jesus
Comer underscores the importance of being in constant communion with Jesus. He describes this as "abiding" in Him:
"Make your home in my presence by the Spirit, and never leave."
This involves integrating moments of awareness and connection with Jesus throughout our daily routines, turning ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounter.
2. Become like Jesus
The transformation into Christlikeness is central to Comer's teaching. He explains that spiritual formation isn't accidental:
"No accidental saints. You must choose to accept Jesus' invitation to a life of apprenticeship."
This involves intentional practice and the cultivation of spiritual disciplines that shape our character and actions to reflect Jesus.
3. Do as Jesus Did
The ultimate goal of apprenticeship is to carry out Jesus' work in the world. Comer highlights:
"The whole point of apprenticeship was to train under a rabbi in order to one day become a rabbi yourself."
This means actively engaging in acts of love, service, and proclamation of the gospel, embodying Jesus' mission in our daily lives.
Establishing a Rule of Life
Comer introduces the concept of a "Rule of Life," a set of spiritual disciplines that provide structure and direction for our spiritual journey. This includes practices like silence and solitude, scripture reading, and community involvement. Comer writes:
"A good Rule will guard and guide you, helping you to live a life aligned with Jesus' teachings."
The Nine Practices of a Rule of Life
- Silence and Solitude: Set aside time to be alone with God, free from distractions.
- Sabbath: Dedicate one day each week to rest and focus on God.
- Simplicity: Declutter your life to focus on what truly matters.
- Scripture: Engage with the Bible not just for knowledge, but for transformation.
- Prayer: Cultivate a regular practice of talking and listening to God.
- Fasting: Abstain from certain foods or activities to focus on spiritual growth.
- Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and support your journey.
- Service: Engage in acts of love and service to others.
- Confession: Regularly confess your sins and receive God's forgiveness .
Practical Tips for Daily Living
- Start Small: Begin with short moments of prayer and scripture reading each day.
- Find Your Secret Place: Identify a physical space where you can regularly meet with God.
- Eliminate Hurry: Create margins in your schedule to slow down and be present with Jesus.
Final Thoughts
"Practicing the Way" is not just a book but a guide to transforming our spiritual lives. For those of us who grapple with accepting God's goodness and find prayer challenging, Comer's insights provide a path toward healing and growth. As we embark on this journey, may we continually remember that God's love is not dependent on our perfection but on His unchanging nature.
"God is always present, always loving, always inviting us to be with Him. Our journey is to accept that invitation daily."