Should I Trust My Candy?

I have been eating Mars’ M&M’s chocolate candy for years! In every serving, I have enjoyed eating all six colors – brown, green, orange, red, yellow, and blue – of these delectable candies that “melt in your mouth and not in your hand!” However, those who know me best will tell you that I favor the blue ones most of all. My secret goes back many years until I was outed by some preacher friends with whom I met weekly in a small group. Imagine that?!

Blue Makes Me Happy!

During one of those meetings, a friend had spread a selection of M&M’s from his stash out on the table for the taking. I looked at the multiple-colored candies and immediately began to retrieve several blue ones and lined them up before me. This friend looked at me incredulously and asked, “What are you doing?” I answered sheepishly because by now everyone was staring at me, “I’m gathering the blue ones. They’re my favorite!” He said something like, “You’re crazy! They all taste the same!”

From that day until today, I’m undeterred and still argue for the tasty blue ones! But lately I have had to admit that some recent research has made me conflicted and rethinking my preferences. Some scientists are suggesting that food dyes like Blue 1 or Brilliant Blue that have been commonly used in candy, beverages, baked goods, and other processed food may have dangerous health effects, especially for children.

It wasn’t too long ago that another finding surfaced through an article with a provocative title, “The healing power of blue M&M’s.” (July 2009). While it seemed a bit farfetched to me, this research suggested that Brilliant Blue G could be used for spinal cord injuries. The dye, if injected in a timely manner, was found to reduce the size of the lesion and improve the patient’s recovery. While I’m still looking for “expert opinions” to support how special Blue 1 is to me, I acknowledge how difficult it has become to know in whom to trust.

You can imagine that some of this discussion about candy has been written with “my tongue firmly tucked in my cheek” while the other side of my mouth has a couple of M&M’s melting in it! But, when it comes to matters of faith, I live with absolute certainty in the faithfulness and truthfulness of Almighty God and His Word. I believe and put my trust in the One who is completely trustworthy.

Our Texas son and his wife are building a new house. Recently, he sent us a picture of himself standing on the house’s new and proofing foundation. Texans know how tumultuous the weather has been in the Lone Star recently. A good foundation is indispensable! In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about the importance of a good foundation for life. He warned, “Anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on the sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:26-27, NLT).

The Psalmist sums up a reliable faith foundation best for me, “The Lord always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all he does.” (Psalm 145:13, NLT). The Apostle John has a similar confidence in this summary exhortation, “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true… Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” (Revelation 22:6-7).

Let’s keep building our lives and trust the solid rock of God’s faithfulness! 

Previous M&M's article: Tasty Treat!

Mike Keppler, retired pastor,
active churchman and
doting grandparent.
Contact: drmjkeppler@gmail.com
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