Saturday, 28 January 2012
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WHY ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING?
I was reading for this week's Bible Study Fellowship lesson from Acts, chapter 19 when I was struck by verse 32: "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."
The context was that the apostle Paul was preaching in Ephesus when he was followed by a girl possessed with an evil spirit, which Paul then cast out of her. There went out a complaint from those who had been profitting by this girl's "gift." (Really, it was a curse keeping her from a normal life and she was being used) An uproar resulted from the owner of the girl protesting and much of the city joined in. This is where verse 32 comes in.
At first, I was amused. It sounded like utter confusion - well, it was an unruly mob rioting. Ever been around when a mob goes out of control? It is a scary thing. The mob has a "personality" all its own, but no mind - just blind rage. In fact, Paul had been in this type of thing before and had been stoned, carried outside the city limits, and left for dead. That's how much mind and heart a mob has.
The next time you are thinking of joining protesters, remember that even if there is no violence, there will be an absence of purpose. Most there will either not really understand the situation or will be there for reasons that you don't want to endorse. There can be many strange bedfellows in a thing like that. I don't think I need elaborate.
But all of this leads me to the question uppermost in my mind. Everytime we join in with others, we owe it to ourselves and others to understand what our purpose there is. Specifically, in church. I've written several posts about why people leave churches or shop around for new ones; and in every case, I wanted to illustrate the real reason for gathering together with other believers. It would be interesting to hear the reasons that readers of this would give. If your reason is just to have a 'feel good' experience or have fun, the world still holds the best shows. But if your reason is to be part of a community of believers worshiping and serving God, learning to know Him better and to understand the implications of the gospel for your life, then the world knows zilch about that and you will dry up spiritually.
So, why are you doing what you are doing?
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Comments (11)
The Bible clearly and repeatedly stated that we need to worship and study the Scriptures in groups...
Because the Church is a Body, gathered by Christ, and He comes to feed us by His own Body and Blood. I can't be a Body on my own!
I wouldn't say all protesters don't have a purpose, for some definitely do, but a lot of them end up coming and tagging along only to be a part of the phenomenon.
I gather with believers in the real hope I will meet with God, and also that I might have the opportunity to glorify God by using my gifts in some way to build up the Church.
Re: your assessment here: "the world still holds the best shows" - Well, in the worlds' eyes, the world still holds the best shows, but as far as I'm concerned, as God chooses to gracious to me, as I receive a taste or a glimpse of the love of God, THAT is THE best show. :)
@naphtali_deer@xanga - Thanks. My last paragraph there is meant to wake some people up. If all you want is a show...
Joining with other believers in glorifying God and edifying believers is a dull show for those who don't know Christ, or who don't yet realize what a wonderful privilege worshiping Him and serving Him and His Church can be.
That's what I meant - our perception of what is exciting and wonderful depends on where our hearts are.
@nowayout001@xanga - In reading your posts, it seems that you haven't a lot of people to share with. I hope you have or soon will have Christian friends to support you in your faith, and you in theirs.
@Ancient_Scribe@xanga - Yes, the Body of Christ, those who know Him as Lord and Savior have been chosen and brought into fellowship by Christ Himself. Why would any believer not want more of that?
@quest4god - I have "Christian" friends, but you will know instantly that they smell of the world...
@nowayout001@xanga - Maybe as you grow in your relationship with God, the sweet savor of His presence will attract a few of those friends and they will love the world less as they seek to find what you are experiencing.
Good points. I wonder the same thing myself often.
@quest4god - "our perception of what is exciting and wonderful depends on where our hearts are." Yes... Where are our treasure is, there will our hearts be. The true believer ought to be growing in his zeal for Christ and the things of Christ.
@naphtali_deer@xanga - Thanks. My next post is growing - maybe will be multiple posts. God is working His work in me.
I really appreciate your input!
@blonde_apocalypse@xanga - It's a good question to ask. We often find ourselves doing the same things over and over and forget why. This post was intended to elicit a response on why people go to church, but not much came from it.
My first thought, though, when reading that particular scripture passage was of the "occupy" people...they are angry at - what or who? Surely they don't all really believe that they should be rich based on what they've done so far?