When life gets tough it is easy to give up and flip the script when we should follow the script to the glory of God. Of course, the script refers to the Holy Scriptures. On his second missionary journey, Paul came to Berea in Macedonia. In Acts 17:11-12 we read the following about the Bereans: “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.” These Bereans provide a three-fold example of how to stay on the script.

Let’s keep listening to the Scriptures. Acts 17:11a reads, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness...” This involves hearing the word, ready to heed the word, not as a forgetful hearer. Paul instructs Timothy, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). Later, Paul explains, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2 Timothy 4:2a reads, “Preach the word!” It is critically important to keep yourself under the faithful preaching and teaching of the word of God!

Let’s keep looking at the Scriptures. Acts 17:11b reads, “and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Verify the teaching you hear with the Scriptures. Make sure what you hear squares up with the Scriptures. Beware of substitutions for the Scriptures and speculations about the Scriptures. We must continue searching and researching the Scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15 reads, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Let’s keep learning from the Scriptures. Acts 17:12 reads, “Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.” Romans 10:17 reads, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” We must continue believing and receiving the Scriptures. Not like those described in 2 Timothy 3:7, who are “always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Paul exhorts Timothy, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Christians are to move from milk to meat in terms of spiritual growth and development.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to bring Scripture into every situation. Amid this crooked and perverse society, let’s stay on the script.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.