Siren Song

18. August 2010 by BruceSmith.

Siren Song

The scriptures tell us that beauty is fleeting, and that a Godly woman is to be praised. Our culture could not be more opposed to this truth. Scriptures also tell us of the value of our minds and of the glory of innocence. Again, culture leads us elsewhere. 

We are bombarded with thousands of calls every day to hear the call of the seductress and the seducer. From tweener movie stars to pop icons and more, the siren call allures. 

So pervasive is the call that far too many have just surrendered, even many in our churches. From dress codes to entertainment choices to social interaction standards, we are in desperate need of a renewed biblical vision. 

No, Christianity is not about rule following. But it is about transformation. “be renewed by the transforming of your minds”. This suggests that turning our minds off and giving too much time and attention to the siren calls is a mortal danger. The battle begins with the mind. We must use it. We must think and not merely fun ourselves into spiritual imbecility. We are far too prone to enjoy the easy and accessible option.

Is it that important you ask? Jesus gave a metaphor, using hyperbole, to make the point, “…better to cut off your hand if it causes you to stumble… Better to poke out your eye if it causes you to sin”.

Far from our view of cultural appeasement, Jesus spoke of the dangers of moral “balance”. He said we must be hot or cold to the things of God or He would vomit us out of his mouth. 

A story illustrating how vigorous our self direction and thoughtfulness ought to be comes from the Greek literary figure Odysseus. Knowing of the captivating beauty of the sirens who would sing out from the rocks as sailors passed by, he instructed his men to fill their ears with wax so as not to be tempted by the beautiful singing and thereby deceived as they gave in and sailed toward the death inflicting beauties.

Further still, known for his cunning intelligence, and aware of his own hunger for beauty, he commanded his men to tie him to the mast of the ship so that he could not lead them all to destruction as he gave in to temptation upon seeing and hearing the sirens calling out.

It took every knot to keep him down as they passed and he struggled to get free burning up with passion to have what would have literally consumed his flesh and soul and that of his men. 

Christian or not, we live in a world where sin is made to look good for us. Death is presented as an attractive option to us all. We are not told it is death of course. We are told it’s just fun or what we need or want or are entitled to. We must see the siren call for what it is, a trap. 

God has given us much to enjoy. His call is one of delight and adventure. He knows what will fulfill us. His sex menu is far more pleasing to the spiritual palette. His call to truth so much more sublime than deceit. His call to modesty so much more precious than the cultural presentation of skin deep persona. His call to love and forgiveness far superior to bitterness and rage and revenge. 

There is no song like that of Gods love song to us. There is no man or woman whose physical or emotional pleasure or company can offer what God alone can give. Lasting beauty is not found in a man or woman who crave to be seen and known for physicality. True lasting goodness is found in the plan of God for our lives.

Where are you today? Is your mind turned on to the truth of God? Do you hunger for the protection of His plan in you and in those you love? Are you willing to fill your ears with wax and tie yourself to the mast for His sake? Will you place yourself around others who will help you tie the knots tight?

I am not suggesting that rules will bring you peace. They will not. But as we gaze upon the beauty of Gods word and plan we come to see more and more that His ways are a sublime delight, His thoughts higher than ours, and His precepts like honey to our mouths. As we listen to the lyrics of scripture our passions come alive for more of Him. No visage can compare. The call of the siren falls on deaf ears when those ears are atune to the voice of God more and more.

As the story goes, because he tied himself to the mast and restrained he and his crew, and as the myth bespoke, the sirens, unable to feed upon wanton and lusting souls, died. Sin is that way for us. The more we turn away the more it’s power over us dies. 

Our entire lives are impacted by the vigor with which we pursue Gods ways. Our minds lead the way. Think deeply. Take time to think. You will come to enjoy it. Remember, the truth sets us free. Truth is absorbed through contemplation not amusement. There is plenty fun to be had. 

The strength of our relationships, our families, our churches, our culture, is determined by our collective pursuits. Beware the woman standing in her door calling you in, says proverbs. Though she may look good on that billboard, in that video, in that get-up, … Her call leads to death. The woman of God is to be praised. 

Someone fetch my rope, 

Bruce Smith

Optimuslife.org

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