January 1, 2018

Better Song
By: Ruth O'Relly-Smith

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 bloat floated by with the crew unaffected by the alluring tunes.

They enjoyed a better song.

Although millions around the world have 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 please can only come as we pursue greater pleasures:

Galatians 5:22: "righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace."

Paul reminds us:

"to let 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!

* * *

Conclusion:

As we flick the calendar to a new year, we come face to face with the fact that our days on Earth are numbered. We may also look back over our failures, mistakes, and missed opportunities, and vow that we will make better use of our time during the coming year.

However, we can never overcome our bad habits that held us back last year through determination alone. We need God's help.

ThisGirlCanWrite's Note:

Let’s believe in God’s love and guidance as we enter 2018. Trust God’s promises and trust his work in your life during this year.  May God richly bless us! Thank you for reading. <3