Leading a Selfless Life

     "There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!” 


     So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord."~Acts 9:36-42 NLT


     Often times when talking about those raised from the dead in the Bible, Jesus and Lazarus are the two that come to mind. There were others. Many may not realize that an ordinary woman named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) was also raised from the dead. In my mind, I imagine Tabitha resembling Mother Teresa in the environment in which she lived and shared her love for the Lord. What is intriguing about this story is that Peter was the facilitator of raising Tabitha from the dead. I have many questions about this story. Why was this woman raised from the dead? Why a woman when women were thought of so lowly during this time in history? Why and what moved Peter to do this? What made her so different? The questions could go on and on.


     Winding forward a couple centuries, I look at the inspirational impact Mother Teresa had on not only the environments in which she lived, but on showing the world the difference one person can make. She was the Tabitha in today's world. Her love for humanity transcended all religious lines. Whether, Catholic, Protestant, other religions, or even those who claim no religion each saw in her what I think we all wish we could see in ourselves. I've never heard a negative comment about her. Again, I find myself asking so many questions. How was this woman able to live a life so selfless? How could a woman giving such simple things each day be so unique in a world where fame and fortune dominate the news and goals of most? Why was her mercy so abundant? What made her so different?


     I've made a full circle and have come back to that same question. What made each of these women so different that God used them to teach us about our own individual lives?  Tabitha and Mother Teresa may have been two of the best examples in history for us to study in our Christian lives. They understood that reaching out and caring for others were central to being a disciple of Christ. They were willing to give their hearts, minds, spirits, and talents to serve a Living God. Their daily lives were Christ directed.


     Peter's role in the story is also very interesting. Peter on his own did not have the ability to raise Tabitha from the dead, but through Peter's intercessory prayer Christ granted this miracle to occur. So, why Tabitha? Never underestimate the power of simple kindness. Peter heard the stories of the acts of kindness that Tabitha gave so selflessly and may have realized this was a teaching opportunity. Through Christ, he was moved to show others that daily faith in action finds us in favor with our Lord and Savior. Tabitha had blessed others, and Christ may have wanted others to understand that through blessing others it is pleasing to Him. 


     Had I been there to see Tabitha raised from the dead, I think I would have really had to stop and evaluate my life. Maybe, after reading the story, I need to evaluate my life in the here and now. What simple acts of kindness and care do I share daily with others? How can I replace many of my selfish mannerisms with selfless giving to the glory of God? At the end of the day, do I stop and ask, "Lord, have I tried to please You today?" Tough questions! Trust me when I say, I am not happy with my own personal answers. 


     So, this Bible story is filled with questions, but one fundamental teaching seems clear to me. Leading a selfless life devoted to Christ is pleasing to Christ. I should probably put that on my refrigerator door to remind me so that I can remember to work on this daily. What a beautiful story from scripture to dwell upon this day and in the days to come! 


Let us pray,


Heavenly Father,
Often the world teaches us selfish behavioral understandings that lead us in the wrong direction. Help lead us to a more selfless life as we care for others in a way that is pleasing to You.
Amen