Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. - Acts 19:32
About 13 years ago, there was a significant event which was centered in Egypt called "Arab Spring." Mass protests in Cairo led to the downfall of a presidency and, what seemed to be at the time, hopeful change for the future. Unfortunately, decrees that followed from a new president caused such unrest to be recycled, the masses remained divided, and many changes were not sustained. The future, as always, remains uncertain and confused over a decade later.
If one is able to look beneath the surface of any mob (crowd) mentality, many differing agendas and concerns often emerge. For example, when trouble erupted in Ephesus over Paul's ministry, the crowd was confused. Some didn't even know why they were there, but apparently just wanted to be a part of the excitement, whatever it was. Various members were drawn for varying reasons and none seemed to be very good.
In the same way, it is possible for a church to become nothing more than a mob, if there is confusion in the assembly. A clear, defining, biblical purpose must underpin every decision and choice of direction or it is possible for some to forget why they began to congregate in the first place. Lacking direction, competing interests often create conflict, confusion, and chaos. Passion without purpose may be exhilirating, but it rarely leads to fruit that lasts. This is because it may be possible to disperse a mob, but it is hardly possible to lead one.
The mob is the mother of tyrants. - Diogenes
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