Acts 19:32-37

Mob mentality—there is no reasoning with it until it calms down, yet think of the damage that can be done in the meantime. When I read my Bible, it says that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). So, when confusion is running rampant, you can be sure the enemy is at work. James 3:16 (NKJV) states:

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Remember, this whole controversy started because Demetrius was worried about his dwindling business, yet he tried to make it about the goddess Artemis. That's how lies often work. They disguise the real motive and redirect people's attention elsewhere. In the meantime, they can cause tremendous damage before the truth has a chance to come to light.

We see the same playbook at work today. Satan has not changed his tactics. Second Corinthians 4:4 refers to him as "the god of this age," saying that he blinds the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the Gospel. Most people don't recognize that spiritual reality, which is precisely why deception is so effective. If you want to know who ultimately stands behind the evil, division, and chaos in this world, Scripture points us to Satan. Sadly, he often accomplishes his purposes by using unsuspecting, deceived, or gullible people, preying upon their emotions and stirring them to react before they know the whole truth.

It is so important for us to let cooler heads prevail in times of confusion.

Thank God for the "mayor," or more accurately, the "city clerk," of Ephesus. While the NLT refers to him as the mayor to convey his civic authority, the Greek text calls him the city clerk (grammateus). In reality, he functioned much like a modern city manager or chief civic official—one of the highest-ranking leaders in the city.  He wisely calmed the crowd and restored order by exposing the false accusations that had fueled the riot and directing everyone back to the proper legal process. One level-headed voice prevented what could have become a terrible tragedy.

How many times have we reacted to something we later discovered wasn't true? Don't you feel foolish when the truth finally comes out and you have to "eat crow," as the saying goes?

When I consider the political landscape of the last several years, I see a great deal of confusion over what is true. Stories spread rapidly—especially in the age of social media—and they often stir people's emotions long before the facts are known. We see people passionately demonstrating or protesting for various causes, yet sometimes, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that not everyone fully understands the issue they are supporting. As believers, that should remind us to be careful. We should never allow our emotions to outrun the truth.

The enemy thrives on confusion, but God calls His people to be discerning. Proverbs tells us, "The simple believe every word, but the prudent consider well their steps" (Proverbs 14:15). Before we repeat a story, join a cause, or form a strong opinion, we should first ask, "Is it true?" and "What are the facts?" Following Christ means loving the truth, even when it challenges our assumptions.

In a world filled with confusion, may we be people who seek wisdom, pursue peace, and refuse to be swept away by the emotions of the crowd.