Becoming New Wineنموونە

Day 2 The Holding Back

I'm sure you're like me, wondering what in the world it looks like to live out this verse like Jesus is talking about. How do we become the new wineskin? How do we get a new heart and soul into a new body or vessel?

What might hold us back from a new life?

Over the next three days, we will discuss being held back, and hopefully, you can relate to these setbacks. Then on Day 5, we will discuss what God says about who we are.

When I look back on my life, God has always had his hand in it. No matter your circumstances, I believe we can all say the same. God's hand is there whether you are in the valley or on the hill.

I was blessed with a mother who made church a priority. I wouldn't say I liked it. But little seeds were planted. She dragged my brothers and me to church every Sunday. Church was cool (sometimes), but for me, sex, drugs, and rock and roll were WAY more fun. When I got out on my own, I went my own way. I went places that we don't need to talk about. We can save those stories for a campfire, and I will tell you how God had his hand in that mess too. But long story short, I got into the nightlife business, where I thrived at being as heathen as they come. I was living life my way, on my terms, and blind to the pride eating away at my soul.

The great Charles Spurgeon once said, "An all-pervading sin; pride is so natural to fallen man that it springs up in his heart like weeds in a well-watered garden. Its very touch is evil. You may hunt down this fox and think you have destroyed it, and lo! Your very exultation is pride. None have more pride than those who dream that they have none. Pride is a sin with a thousand lives, and it seems impossible to kill it."

WOW! Does this sound familiar? It does for me.

Pride makes you think that you are 'better than God.' Most people would never say that out loud (at least, I don't suggest it). But our actions speak louder than words. My actions told me I was better than God. I was glorifying myself in all I had created. The popularity, money, and success were a vibrant stroke to my ego. I did not praise God for my success. Instead, I praised myself with parties and all the actions that come with parties.

Have you ever had a project you were working on, trying to figure out the best deal? Maybe you work 16-hour days trying to figure it out and WIN! Rather than take the deal to the feet of God and ask him for help, you're saying, "I'm better than God in this situation. I have the answers. Without me, this deal won't come to fruition." Besides that being exhausting, imagine the weight off your shoulders knowing God already knows. By no means do I recommend not doing the work, but more asking the question: how much of the outcome have you put in God's hands rather than your own?

How might pride get us in trouble or stop us from becoming new wine? How does it surface in your day-to-day life, work, and relationships?

Let's say your relationship could be doing better. Your partner mentions counseling, and your response is, "Absolutely not!" I've heard this too often from friends; honestly, it's sad.

What is happening here? PRIDE. So much pride you think you can solve your problems on your own. You have too much pride in getting help from people who might be able to help you. If we're not getting counseling, are we on our hands and knees praying for God to intervene in our relationships daily? Our pride stops us from moving forward or becoming something new.

There is no bigger trap in this world than to think that we (almighty US) have done it all. This thought pattern will make you tired and exhausted.

Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes dishonor and shame, But with the humble, there is wisdom and soundness of mind.

Was there a time when you were so proud of yourself that you believed you did it all alone? Do you think God had any role in your outcome? Look back on your life, the hard times, the good times, maybe the jail time even? Can you see that God has had his hands in it all?