Charity Autry, Member since 2008, Families in Faith Sunday School Leader, Starting Point Leader, VBS Chair (Children’s Ministry Council)

Acts 9:36-43 (NIV Life Application Study Bible)
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

Reflection:
In a recent bible study I learned the thesis of Acts is found in Acts 1:8.

 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

Throughout the book of Acts, Luke is recounting the actions of the followers of Jesus as they share the word of Jesus through the gospel and their ­acts.

In the story above, an important disciple, Tabitha, dies and the people she served are mourning. Her community sends for Peter who was nearby. The mourners said she was “always doing good and helping the poor.” Tabitha served her community making the widows’ “robes and other clothing” (Acts 9:39). At the time of Acts, widows would have been very poor and decent clothing would have been scarce. Tabitha used her money and talents to serve others.     

Do you ever wonder what people will do or say about you when you pass? Will they say, “they were always doing good and helping the poor”? As Christians, we do not serve to receive accolades. However, I think we must ask ourselves what would people say? The answer to this question determines if we are living and loving like Jesus, or are we living inwardly?  

Our church offers a class to new members that jumpstarts your spiritual journey. One of the three parts is “Out,” which discusses the church’s mission to transform our city by our service and witness. “We demonstrate our faith and share His love by serving others in our community and world.” This class identifies how each of us has our own spiritual gifts and how we can use these God-given talents.

If you are not sure of your Spiritual Gifts, you can take the assessment here. This assessment will help to highlight the areas in which your talents lie. Once you know your spiritual gifts there are so many ways to serve. Do what comes easy to you, don’t make it hard! In the book, Atomic Habits by James Clear the author says, “Habits are easier to perform, and more satisfying to stick with, when they align with your natural inclinations and abilities.” The book is about keeping good habits and breaking bad habits. Service is a good habit, so make it easy. Do the things you know, and you will do more.

As you serve, you will begin to venture out into things that were not listed in your assessment. You will make new friends that encourage you to step into new areas. In addition, at different times of your life, you may reassess your talents—like during a pandemic. As service becomes a habit, you will become more comfortable serving in areas that are needed—not those that are only comfortable.

Listen to the Holy Spirit, God is guiding you. Writing was not listed on my Spiritual Talents assessment. However, when you try something new, you may find God has given you talents you didn’t even know you possessed! (Unless, of course, this is boring you, please keep the “God bless her heart” to yourself.)

Tabitha’s story has a happy ending. Peter arrives and brings her back from the dead (Acts 9:40-43)! Miraculous! Luke tells the story of Tabitha to encourage the followers of God to serve their community. God wants us to empty ourselves (see Philippians 2:7) and focus on the needs of others, not to be inwardly focused. 

What are you good at? What could you do for the kingdom of God? Make it easy, make it a habit, and always do good.

Prayer:
God, please show us where our talents lie and how we can use them for the good of others. Help us to do things that are outside our comfort zone in times of need and to not live inwardly. Remind us we don’t have to be good at all things to serve. Thank you for our talents to serve and share the love of Jesus with others. Amen.