Thought for Today
Genesis 27:4 Then prepare for me savory food, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may bless you before I die."
Ecclesiastes 2:1 I said to myself, "Come now, I will make a test of pleasure; enjoy yourself." But again, this also was vanity.
Luke 12:32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Ephesians 1:5 He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Why do we like what we like? Why do we prefer certain foods, items and people over others? There are truly few choices I face where I do not prefer one option over the other. Sometimes I am encouraged to pick the least desired option for other reasons; but, I rarely face choices without at least a small preference.
You may be familiar with Occam’s razor, “In philosophy, Occam's razor (also spelled Ockham's razor or Ocham's razor; Latin: novacula Occami) is the problem-solving principle that recommends searching for explanations constructed with the smallest possible set of elements. It is also known as the principle of parsimony or the law of parsimony.” (en.wikipedia.org) I’ve always heard it paraphrased as, “Whenever there are 2 equally plausible answers, choose the simplest.”
I have often employed Occam’s razor. But, today, I am thinking about the fact that in life, in almost every choice I make, there is one option which I like more than the other. I like certain foods more than others. I do not always like the healthiest foods, or the least expensive foods or even the most available foods. But there are certainly foods I prefer. Occam’s razor is not much help in trying to understand the whys and wherefores of my food preferences.
There are people whom I like almost instantaneously upon meeting them. There are others whom I grow to like over time. Why? Equally, there are others whom I do not like, irrespective of how long I am around them. Why?
Science tells me about endorphins, dopamine and pheromones. "Endorphins are hormones that are released when your body feels pain or stress. They are produced in your brain and act as messengers in your body.” “Endorphins boost the release of dopamine in your body. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter. The release of dopamine affects your mood.” (my.clevelandclinic.org) That is all good and well, but why does my brain release endorphins and dopamine and why do they work the way they do? “A pheromone . . . is a secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting like hormones outside the body of the secreting individual, to affect the behavior of the receiving individuals.” (en.wikipedia.org)
Much as I like science and technology, much as I relied on both to earn a living during my first career, neither science, mathematics nor technology offer adequate answers as to why I like some things and some people more than others. Life is more complex than human science, mathematics or technology can comprehend. Hamlet was correct when he said, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (Act 1, scene 5)
As a Christian, I understand that God loves all of God’s creatures, all of God’s children. I memorized John 3:16 as a young child. As an adult, I have come to realize that 2 of the most important things in that verse are ‘loved’ and ‘the world.’ I do not know why God created Creation the way he did. I do not know why God created us with endorphins, dopamine or pheromones. I don’t even know why I prefer spicy foods to sweet foods. I do know that God loves me . . . and you . . . and every one of God’s children.
I do know what God likes and requires from me, "Luke 10:27 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And, I do remember the words of that beloved hymn, “Jesus loves me, this I know, because the Bible tells me so.” And, that’s enough.
Stay safe, love and be loved, trust God,
Pastor Ray