October 23, 2022 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

By Abby Zamora-Cheng

In Day 15 of the Being Challenge, Zach Zehnder writes that "habits may be something you do, but faith isn't something you do." This is a core tenet of the Christian faith, that our salvation and therefore our sanctification (ie cleansing, being made pure) is through God's work alone.We cannot change our hearts and become more like Him through our efforts alone. So it surprised me that he put "Commit to Community" as the first keystone habit to being like Jesus. Would it not make more sense to put studying Scripture or prioritizing prayer as the most important habit? If He's the one working in us to change our hearts, then shouldn't we try to get to know Him more and draw closer to Him before doing anything else?

As I pondered this question, I thought of the things in my life that helped me become closer to God and realized that at the root of a lot of it was my church family. Studying scripture is actually something I quite enjoy doing, and that passion was instilled in me by my youth pastor. I have spent the most time in prayer when I'm with others, whether at youth, night of prayer, or other gatherings. I am active in ministry in large part due to the joy I get in serving with my friends and fellow church members.

It dawned on me that God changes us and draws us closer to Him very often through our community. The habits that we want to form in life are more easily established when we have someone walking along with us, encouraging us and keeping us accountable through the highs and lows. All the different experiences and perspectives that come with a community enrich our lives and also broaden our horizons. I hated that the pandemic kept us from truly being in community for so long but I pray that we are all able to reconnect with each other in person and intentionally work to strengthen our bonds again. Through this, I pray that CEAC will become a church full of people like Jesus, for the glory of God alone.