They Didn't Know Why

 

Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Acts 19:32

In Ephesus many people were coming to Christ and this was a threat to the silversmiths who made idols. Greedy for the profits they were sure to lose with so many people turning to the One True God they stirred up a commotion and soon a large crowd of zealous individuals had gathered. They were apparently a bit aggressive in manner for while Paul wanted to go into the place where they had gathered to try and address them the disciples would not allow him to.

What jumped out at me in this verse was that "the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together."

When I look out at the world today this is what I see. "The assembly is confused." People passionately try to support what they think are injustices but they don't really know why they are there. They don't really know what's going on. Just like the people in Ephesus, they didn't know they were standing in defense of the silversmiths' greed. 

This account shows us how easily people can be emotionally swayed. It also shows that they don't need facts or information to rouse them to action. As a young advocate, I could easily get fired up about things, but the Lord began to teach me to think first and act later. Research, learn what the issue really is. Study the different perspectives and accept the complexities that come with social problems. Then advocate, stand up for the voiceless not in ignorance but integrity. 

As a graphic designer I've studied about marketing and how they use images, music and even colors to evoke a reaction out of people. All day everyday people are vying for our attention, our emotions, our support. But the Bible tells us:

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,

Titus 2:6

Now this isn't a call to be suspicious of everyone, but to be vigilant. Before I jump in with both feet, do I really know the truth about this situation? Is this source one I can really trust? As simple as this may seem, you can't believe everything you hear on TV, Youtube, the news, or what Ai generates for you when you're doing an online search. While it was important for me as a young advocate to learn how to navigate the internet and other resources to find reliable information it was also necessary to spend time with the Lord seeking His wisdom and heart. Being vigilant is knowing Him. The more you know His nature, His heart, His voice, the more you surround yourself with Him the less you'll be swayed by the voices of this world.

Dear Father, make us sober-minded and vigilant by Your Spirit, that we would not be deceived by the drama of the world around us. Draw us closer to You each day that we may live in Your reality, surrounded by the Truth so that we can love others with Your wisdom. In Jesus Christ' name. amen.