In Greek mythology, the island of Sirens was where beautiful temptresses ensnared passing sailors with their sweet songs. The music led the men to the shore where they were shipwrecked and destroyed. Odysseus ordered his men to plug their ears with beeswax, but being curious and to avoid being tempted, he instructed them to bind him to the mast. Upon hearing the song of the Sirens, Odysseus commanded his crew to release him, but they refused and bound him tighter. Jason of the Argonauts, on the other hand, hired a skilled musician to play a tune as his ship sailed within earshot of Sirens. His boat floated by with the crew unaffected by the alluring tunes.
They enjoyed a better song.
Although millions around the world have made resolutions to “change their tune” in the New Year, it won’t take long for old habits to return. Perhaps, like Odysseus, you’ve tried to escape “anything that stimulates youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). True freedom from bad habits, however, can never be won by binding willpower and through determination alone. The apostle Paul reminds us that freedom from one pleasure can only come as we pursue greater pleasures: “righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace” (Galatians 5:22).
Paul reminds us to “let the Holy Spirit guide [our] lives. Then [we] won’t be doing what [our] sinful nature craves” (Galatians 5:16). The bad habits that held us back last year will continue to slow us down this year unless we follow the “better song” of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). As followers of Jesus, we’ve “nailed the passions and desires of [our] sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” (Galatians 5:24-25). By the Spirit’s power, we can make beautiful music for Christ!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 1:1–2:3
More:
Read Romans 8:14 to see what it means to be led by “the Spirit of God.”
Next:
Are you frustrated at your inability to walk free from addictions and other things that keep tripping you up? What will happen if you grow in your love for God and submit to the Spirit’s leading?
Gary Shultz on January 1, 2017 at 6:19 am
Hi Ruth: Strong words, direct and pointed insight to aim us into 2017. Sin must be taken in seriousness and with decisive resolve. It will not be the conclusion of the matter, but an unwavering decision must be made. Many of those failures occur, as people rush into a New Year; however, the believer has help to paste them self to the resolve. Discipline is a wonderful thing and many people with shear discipline have accomplished great things. The words “Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” does clinch the resolve, the believer must be totally given to the cause. On a moment by moment basis, walking with the Spirit, the presence of God or however you may like to say it. The believer recognizes their in ability to conquer all areas of life, so we do what God had intended for us to do, turn to Him for help, guidance, self control, wisdom, and all matters that pertain to victorious life. Thanks Ruth, forward for truth in 2017
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on January 1, 2017 at 9:58 am
What I love most about this illustration is the realisation that all our determined efforts to flee temptation, will ultimately lead to failure unless we fall more in love with Jesus than we are with sin. May our love for Jesus grow deeper every day throughout 2017 – He is our ‘better song’.
Ruth O'Reilly-Smith on January 1, 2017 at 10:15 am
And, a very Happy New Year to you. It’s been a tough year for many people but I’m praying that as we reflect on the year gone by we’ll see how God was with us through it all. Circumstances change, but He never changes. Be assured and know His peace as you go into this new year – Christ in us, our hope. He is with us always and His presence makes all the difference.
Tom Felten on January 1, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Amen, Ruth. We were reflecting on that last night in the New Year’s Eve watchnight service at our local church. God is good and He is still on the throne!