From Reading to Living: Reflections on Practicing the Way

After spending nearly five months journeying through Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, Matt concludes this Reading Room series with a deeply personal reflection rather than another book review.

In this episode, he shares how the book became more than something to read—it became a mirror that revealed God's ongoing work of transformation in his own life. Through stories from childhood, lessons learned over seven decades, and timeless truths from Scripture, Matt explores the difference between striving to please God and abiding in Christ.

This episode is a testimony of spiritual formation, grace, and the lifelong invitation to become more like Jesus.

In This Episode

• Why Practicing the Way became Matt's most impactful book of the year.
• The journey from striving through rules to abiding in relationship with Christ.
• A childhood story that illustrates an early desire to please God.
• The difference between transformation and spiritual formation.
• Why this book became a personal "bellwether"—a turning point in life's journey.
• The Emmaus Road and what it means to have our hearts "burn within us."
• The shift from mastering biblical knowledge to allowing the Master to shape us.
• The relationship between diagnosis, formation, and spiritual osmosis.
• An invitation to continue walking with Jesus long after finishing the book.

Key Scriptures

• Psalm 19:7–10
• Ephesians 4:23
• James 1:22–25
• Romans 8:28
• Luke 24:13–35 (The Road to Emmaus)
• Jeremiah 15:16
• 3 John 1:4

Memorable Quotes

"It was as if the book read me."

"My life has been a journey from trying to abiding."

"I no longer see myself as someone mastering truth. Instead, I see the Master—His truth—mastering me."

"Diagnosis reveals what needs to change. Spiritual practices create the environment where God changes us."

"Diagnosis may tell us we're sick. Spiritual osmosis is how the Great Physician restores us."

Reflection Questions

• How has your understanding of following Jesus changed over the years?
• Are you striving to become more like Christ, or are you learning to abide in Him?
• What spiritual practices have helped Christ become more fully formed in your life?
• What might God be inviting you to surrender in this season?
• If someone looked at your life today, what evidence would they see that you have been with Jesus?

Thank you for joining us throughout this Reading Room journey. My prayer is not simply that you remember this podcast, but that you walk more closely with Jesus because of the time we've spent together.

God bless you, and we'll begin a brand-new Reading Room series next time as we explore Integrity by Henry Cloud.