Tastes Are Learned

Subomi glanced at the half-full jar of mayonnaise on the counter top. He surveyed his modest student kitchen, searching for some accompaniment to the rice concoction he had just put together.

The mayonnaise may not substitute for the lack of ‘protein’¹ in his meal but at least it could give it an enhanced taste, he thought. As he added two large scoops of the creamy condiment to his dish, he remembered when it all began.

Just few years ago, he could NEVER eat mayonnaise – not even a bit. He would not take it, not even when offered as part of his serving of Jollof rice and coleslaw at special occasions. He couldn’t even bear anyone having it around him, as that would mean an exposure of his senses to the smell of it. He disliked it that much.

But, little by little, he grew to like it. He started by tolerating small quantities in his food. Then he moved to being able to have it as a spread for bread. He remembered his initial objection to the large jar that was now sitting in his kitchen when his mum brought it.

However, in just few months of ‘trying’ it, he had advanced to using large scoops of the cream in any meal that he could. So much for hating it all my life. He laughed softly at the realisation, as he took the first spoon of his food.

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There are very few of our adult preferences that were present when we were born.

Many were developed over time as we interacted consciously or unconsciously with people, places, things and even the prevailing traditions around us. Most of the tastes we label our own were actually imprinted on us by the contexts and cultures we grew up in or those we surrounded ourselves with.

Tastes are learned, and can be unlearned or relearned.

This statement can either evoke delight in us or serve as a note of caution.

For the first part, knowing that tastes are learned gives us hope that change is possible. Man is a dynamic being that can adapt to change when he applies himself.

As believers, when we become born again, we begin the walk of transformation. The hope for us is that as we interact with the truth of scriptures and fellowship with God’s people, i.e new contexts seperate from the ones which we’ve repented from, we can change. Our minds can be renewed. We literally become different persons from who we used to be. We can become exercised in righteous living. We can overcome bad habits and sins that used to easily beset us. It is possible with God’s grace, the help of God’s Spirit as well as our collaborative obedience and action.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)

For the note of caution, as we become increasingly aware of our dynamic learning abilities, we see the need to actively protect ourselves from anything and anyone that constitutes a bad influence. We become even more careful to surround ourselves with that which looks like what we’re aiming to become.

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

People don’t usually fall to sin or bad habits in a day. Many times, they start with tolerating such around them. Next, they just want to ‘try’ it or indulge a little with no intention to continue. Unfortunately, they become sucked in deeply very fast until they cry out for help.

Let’s imagine a different scenario using prayer as an example:

A person who never liked prayer and was never built up in it gets saved and joins a bible-believing fellowship. There, he learns what prayer is and how to pray, starts to pray, just for a few minutes every day but consistently.

He sees people around him pray often and joins the communal prayers, albeit unenthusiastic about it on some days. He then prays more and more until he has built his life around a vibrant communion with God.

Is there an evil habit that you’ve been wanting to stop? Is there a good habit that you’ve been longing to thrive in? Tastes are learned. Change is possible.

The charge is that we continually exercise ourselves in things that make for our growth and edification, to give ourselves constantly to spiritual things. This ensures that we are transformed everyday to the image that God has set before us i.e the image of the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

1 Timothy 4:15 (KJV)

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(¹ Slang for meat, fish or egg)