It is to be remarked in the first place that the activity of Dorcas was not confined to clothing the naked. “This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” Acts 9:3636Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Acts 9:36). Her good works were therefore good works—such as God had before prepared that she should walk in them (Eph. 2:1010For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)), and such on this account, as could only have been produced in the energy of the Spirit of God.
It is profitable to remind ourselves of what is really good works; for while we have been taught the danger of restless activity and occupation with service, and have been led to admire and desire to possess, the good part which Mary chose (Luke 10:4242But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42)), we would also remember the words of the Apostle Paul, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou also affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
Philanthropic efforts of many kinds are often dignified with the title of “good works,” and are thus calculated to deceive many a simple soul; but good works, those that are such before God, can only flow from the power of the Holy Ghost, and therefore in accordance with His mind and will. They can thus be wrought only by believers as actuated by divine power, and in subjection to the Word of God. “The coats and garments which Dorcas made” were of this class by an infallible verdict.
Dorcas was a giver, because God, who had brought her to Himself was a Giver. Knowing therefore that she was not her own, and that whatever she possessed she held only as a steward for Him to whom she belonged, she placed both herself and her substance at His disposal and served with both according to His will.
The history of Dorcas affords distinct guidance for sisters as to the occupation of their leisure time in their homes, or at least for such as have the means to purchase materials, and capacity to use the needle or sewing machine. It is to be noted very especially that if Dorcas spent any of her time in fancy-work (and we by no means contend that she had not the liberty to do so), the results of her labor in such a direction are not mentioned. This will surely be significant to every spiritual mind. It is “the coats and the garments” only that find a place in the Word of God, teaching at least this much, that it is labors of this kind that command the Lord’s approbation. This is plain from the fact that Dorcas was raised to life again. Her loss was so keenly felt by the disciples that they sent for Peter “desiring that he would not delay to come to them.”
The Apostle went, and was permitted to restore her to life; and “when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.” Thus the Lord interposed at the cry of His people, and comforted their hearts.
All our service must be drawn forth by the constraining love of Christ, for it is possible to bestow all our goods to feed the poor and yet be without divine charity (1 Cor. 13) and hence without any promptings of the heart of Christ. Christ therefore must be the motive. Christ must be the object and Christ must be expressed in all our service.