I thought I would ask ChatGPT about ways of living a more contented and happy life. A.I. mentioned 4 neurotransmitters for which the pituitary gland and hypothalamus act as major control centers:
- Dopamine – which increases a desire for something rewarding. It supports habitual behavior. In a bad sense: addictions. It supports cravings and compulsions. Social media use, for example.
- Serotonin – which produces a feeling of contentment and is a mood stabilizer.
- Endorphins – which produce physical pleasure — “feeling-good” sensation.
- Oxytocin – which reduces social threat perception in the amygdala; Oxytocin supports trust, love, intimacy, and a sense of security in a vulnerable situation.
I was wondering initially about our glorified bodies, if God will provide substitutes for these. Regarding the people not going to Heaven will they retain these neurotransmitters in their bodies forever in Hell or will the absence of these 4 define what Hell will be like?
Then I thought, as Christians, these four are a God-sent. We can:
- Increase dopamine by learning the Word of God, exercising our spiritual senses “to discern good from evil.” [Hebrews 5:14]. Make prayer a habit [1 Thessalonians 5:17]. And the dopamine drives our interest. Habits after time are hard to break!
- Increase serotonin by learning to be content in Christ. Who needs tranquilizers when our problem is spiritual or emotional and not physical. [Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6; Hebrews 13:5].
- Increase endorphins [the “fun” one] by loving our spouses and families; learn to laugh and be grateful instead of complain. Replace chemical addiction with singing to the Lord. Pick a day or night when you can gather with others to sing known choruses and songs that emphasize God’s goodness to you. Sing them to Him. Do not prepare for this; bring no list. Be spontaneous … and no smart phones or watches. It has a better high than drugs—without reaching a tolerance level and without being addictive. [Ephesians 5:18-20].
- Increase Oxytocin by following Christ. We can trust Him. Let that trust [faith] be the foundation upon which we may reestablish other relationships that are important in our lives. “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31].
ChatGPT Graded me ‘A’ on #1-3 and a ‘B+’ on #4. #4 was “conceptually sound, but behavioral social engagement would amplify effects.” [I don’t know what this means — ???]
This is all happening in the same brain showing that each neurotransmission is interconnected to all the others. “They form a network influencing each other in real time.” [A.I.] We deceive ourselves if we think otherwise: Seeking pleasure in ways that do not honor our familial relationships or our God; not practicing what we learn from God’s Word; developing harmful social habits etc. Like the commandments: Break one and we have not kept the others either.
Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well.”
