Read Acts 17:10-15
The Bereans had a reputation. They were known for their noble character as expressed by their eagerness to learn truth. What is remarkable about the Bereans is that they could have been prideful and closed-minded (as were the Pharisees) to their understanding of the Scriptures and to the work of God. Such is often the case when people study the Scriptures and make up their minds on its meaning. But instead we see them eager to hear and learn more. That eagerness is guarded by an even stronger desire to confirm Paul’s teachings as God’s and not man’s.
Today, we get mixed messages about God from a confused world. Sometimes eager people with good intentions fall into the trap of believing what sounds good. Without the Scriptures to guide our understanding of truth, the God we reach up to may not be the one true God at all. Likewise, over time one’s eagerness to continue learning more can be dampened by pride rather than a humble approach that learning is without limits. The Bereans provide an excellent example of how we can know the one true God.
To consider: Which might describe you: a) eager to learn; b) just believe what I’m told; c) not as interested as I used to be; d) skeptical of new teaching; e) other. If not already, how can you be more like the Bereans? Are there areas where you struggle to be open where God is trying to teach you?