Rebekah Rushing who was a high-level assistant at Enron Corporation before it collapsed due to accounting fraud in 2001, demonstrated that ethics is much more than not doing wrong. She went beyond looking out for herself. Rushing, along with two former colleagues, set up a fund at a local bank to help other displaced workers. With $90 of her own money and the help of some publicity, the fund grew into hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was then disbursed to needy former Enron employees. Rushing was quoted as saying: “Things worked out for me and I want them to work out for everyone else.” It’s easy to see that Rushing is a woman who lives to help others—not just herself.
Luke described a woman in the New Testament who selflessly gave to others as well. Tabitha, a devoted believer in Jesus (Acts 9:36), produced fruits of justifying faith in Jesus Christ. Her good works flowed from her faith in Jesus, and her faith motivated her to perform good works in abundance—particularly by tangibly helping the widows of Joppa (vv.36,39). While serving the poor in her community, however, she became ill and died. Later, she was miraculously brought back to life by God’s power (vv.40-41).
Tabitha is a great example of how we should live to serve others. It all begins with a vibrant relationship with Jesus. We can’t begin to live beyond our own concerns if we aren’t in fellowship with the One who lived and died for us.
As we stay connected to the True Vine (John 15:1-5) and follow Him, He will live His life through us, and that life includes selfless service, generosity, and personal sacrifice. It also includes seeing—not ignoring—the needs of others. And by the grace that flows from Jesus to us, we tangibly give of ourselves to meet those needs.
More:
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19
• Titus 3:8,14
Next:
Have you committed your life to Jesus? If not, would you consider doing so today? If you have, how would you rate your relationship with Jesus? How can you be rich in good works to others?
lindagma on August 5, 2010 at 6:56 am
If only we remembered the blessings we receive (not monetary) when we focus on the needs of others. Hard to do in a “ME” focused society… but so rewarding. .. a good reminder.
dfeldma on August 5, 2010 at 6:58 am
To serve others is to serve God
Bryan B on August 5, 2010 at 8:24 am
Amen! What a blessing it is when God turns a heart bent on fufilling selfish desires to a heart wanting to serve others. My prayer is that the Body of Christ would look outside the four walls of the church for opportunities to serve a lost and dying world.
“The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Luke 10:2