And the first practice is Christian nonviolence.
Nothing, I think, more embody's Jesus' radical call to "take up one's cross and follow him" as disciple than nonviolence, or peace-making.
Here's why.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5.38-48).
Turn the other cheek. This, to me, is the hub of Christianity, the ethical center of its vision. This passage is the crown jewel of Jesus' most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount.
Now, I make no bones that this is a difficult thing to practice in the world. Particularly for Americans. But I do think it is at the heart of practicing Christian faith.
In Paul's own language, from Romans 12.9-21:
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
There's plenty there to practice.
There's also the tendency of certain folks to spiritualize this in such a way that it robs Jesus and Paul of their barbed teaching: Love your enemies.
This isn't metaphor. It's simple teaching without being simplistic.
Whatever else Paul says in Romans -- and I think there's plenty -- you have to give him this: He got to the heart of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
So I won't add more. I'll just reiterate: To be a Christian is "to turn the other cheek", "to bless and not curse", "to live in harmony", "to not pay evil for evil", "to not take revenge".
In short, to follow Jesus is to be a nonviolent peace-maker.