As you may already know, part of a bank teller’s training involves learning to detect counterfeit money. This study involves studying the genuine notes. They feel the notes, analyse the print on them until they are very familiar with the real thing. They never study the counterfeit until they are familiar with the genuine. This is because one has to be familiar with the genuine before one can spot a counterfeit.

Similarly, there is a lot of information out there about God these days. Books, sermons, social media posts – you name them. This is great, but, unfortunately not all of this information is correct although some of it resembles the truth.

With this in mind, I believe there is a lot to learn from a group of people known as the Bereans. The Bereans were residents of a city called Berea in the Roman Empire. Berea is today known as Veria and is located in Northern Greece. According to Acts 17:11-12, the Bereans were noble in that they examined the Scriptures each day to see whether what they were being taught was true.

There is value in familiarising ourselves with the truth and we owe it to ourselves to know God for ourselves and be able to give a reason for our faith when asked. The word of God, the Bible, is the best book to turn to in order to know Him more. The Bible has been given by His inspiration. In this book, we find revealed, His character and His plans for humanity.

The Bereans were noble for studying the Bible for themselves. By doing so, they were able to decide if the information taught to them was truthful. I want to be like the Bereans, do you?

You can study the Bible and learn about God and His lovely character. Start with a small achievable goal e.g. 5-10 minutes of Bible reading each day. As you read, remember to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and approach the word of God with eagerness, a willingness to be taught and open-mindedness. Ask for strength to live as God invites you to and ask Him to help you to be a blessing to someone today.

My prayer is that you and I will each day experience the freedom that comes from knowing and living out the truth. As the Bible says, “Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”