Why Are You Here?

The assembly was in confusion: Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people did not even know why they were there. (Acts 19:32 NIV)

Hilarious. If we read Acts 19, we learn that there was a massive riot in the city of Ephesus. Yelling, pushing, shouting, shoving... the whole city was involved in the melee. And then we read in verse 32 that most of the people didn't even know why they were rioting!

Nothing's changed much in the last 2000 years, has it? People are still prone to mob rule, and will gladly follow their group even when they don't know why. American politics, and America's news media, are two groups that have learned to profit from this trend. May I encourage you today to know why you follow the group!

There is a group activity where knowing "why we are there" is of vital importance. I speak, of course, of the local church. When you come to church, do you know why you are there? Hint - it's not about you! Many people attend church for a while to see what's in it for them. But such an attitude usually leads to disappointment. In the church, it's all about serving and worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. When we're with this group, we're in it for Him! And when we get that straight, He never lets us down. He meets our every need.

Put yourself first, and you'll always wonder "what am I doing here?" Put Him first, and you'll know exactly what you're doing here.

Why are you here?