Get Rid of the Old Wineskin
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 9:17 (NKJV) Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
As believers, we need to renew our minds to align with the Word of God. Therefore, we should be open to changes in our lives and the way we think, and let go of our prejudices.
Some potential blind spots in our lives include unconscious biases and assumptions—deeply ingrained beliefs, prejudices, or ways of thinking we are unaware of, that distort our judgement and decision-making.
For example, some individuals believe they are always right, refuse to accept new ideas, and resist change. That’s what old wineskins refer to in the above Scripture. They are rigid, strict, and legalistic, not open to correction and blind to their faults. It’s either their way or no way.
One common issue among family business founders is their silent rejection of new ideas, even though they outwardly appear open to hiring new people to make changes and elevate the company. They cling to the business jealously because they single-handedly founded it and may even have publicly listed it. They believe that nobody knows the industry better than they do, nor will anyone be able to do a better job, including their successor, who might be a family member. Such situations can cause strain and unnecessary tension between the successor, senior staff, and the founder. We need to learn how to let go, delegate, and empower those we have chosen so they can thrive in the new phase of the business.
Distrust of the opposite sex, especially towards men, can be another type of ingrained belief and prejudice for women in particular. For example, they may have grown up witnessing the failures of marriages among people they know. They have a deep distrust of men because they have been told that none of them is good. This deep distrust hinders them from having a close and trusted marriage relationship, even though they have been blessed with a good husband.
Jesus said we will bear much fruit when we are pruned by Him. No pruning is pleasant, but it will lead to good fruit when the process is completed. Rebukes, corrections, and training can come through reading the Word or through the Holy Spirit’s prompting when we are about to make a decision. Furthermore, God will use people we trust to speak into our lives, revealing our blind spots so that we will produce fruit and be a blessing to others. Truly, obedience is better than sacrifice.
Sermon Series: Do You Have A Blind Spot in Your Life
