QUALITIES TO DEVELOP A MEANINGFUL LIFE

TEXT: Acts 9:36-43

The city of Joppa is strategic in Bible history. It is the place from which the prophet Jonah embarked when he ran from God (Jonah 1:1-3). It was in Joppa that Peter received his call to go to the Gentiles. There was a disciple in Joppa named Tabitha - (Dorcas) a lovely lady whose name meant gazelle, an animal characterized by grace and charm.

Very unexpectedly, Tabitha died and they sent for Peter (vv. 39-43). A marvelous miracle occurred - life was restored to one who had died. This woman who gave herself to a ministry of love and servanthood was restored by the hand of God to life and her ministry of good works.
Miracles do not happen by accident. In God's opinion, Tabitha's life was worth restoring. Why? What is it about her life that made it worthwhile to God? What qualities can you and I develop in our lives that will make life meaningful and worthy to God.

I. There Is Something I must Be: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha..." (v. 36).

A. Tabitha was a prominent woman in Joppa, and yet this is the only time her name appears in Scripture.

B. The world does not consider being a disciple a success.
C. Tabitha built her life on discipleship.

II. There Is Something I Must Do: "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha...who was always doing good and helping the poor" (v. 36).

A. Because of her discipleship Tabitha spent her life helping others.

1. THE GREAT COMMAND: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31).
2. THE GREAT COMMISSION: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." (Mat 28:19-20).

B. You may think that what you can do is small and unimportant, but what you can do is very important.

III. There Is Something I Must Learn: "...All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them" (v. 39).

A. Tabitha left a legacy - something by which she would be remembered.

B. Tabitha's priority had been in living for others.

Nothing in life comes easily. By faith and grace, work to make the most of life. It's the only one you will have on this earth.