Posted by I’m perpetually shocked that people become famous because of social media. There are YouTube celebrities, people we recognize because of memes or vines, and those who are Instafamous. Today, there are many household names who I couldn’t tell you, for the life of me, why they were famous.
In the Bible, there was a woman named Tabitha (aka Dorcas), who was famous in her community. She was a big deal to those around her and when she died, people noticed.
“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.”
So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:36-39 (ESV)
This woman was incredibly important in her community. The people who had benefitted from her kindness wept over her for days. They comforted each other by sharing stories and showing the tangible examples of Tabitha’s faith in God. But God wasn’t done with her!
Can you imagine how impactful her ministry was after she was raised to life? If she had brought tens or hundreds to know the Lord before this event, how many thousands came to know Him after?
What are you known for?
Tabitha was famous for doing good works and acts of charity. People saw her faith in God by how she loved and served others. How do people describe you? Or what qualities do they list when they introduce you to someone new? Or, asked a different way, how do you display your faith to others?
Let’s do something today that will point others to Christ. Notice how I said ‘do’ not ‘say’. This could mean cleaning the kitchen to honor your roommate, or your parents, or your spouse, or donating some old clothes to a local organization, or praying for the person who cuts you off in traffic instead of yelling at them. Maybe it’s time for you to begin tithing again or step up to serve in your local church once a month.
Whatever your ‘do’ is, don’t do it because I’m encouraging you to; do something that is fueled by your faith in God. It’s amazing how, when we’re focused on Him, we can’t help but act on it.
Work in Progress 
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