Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

CHRISTIAN HUMOR NOT SACRILEGE OR TABOO!

It is strange, but there are folks who reflect annoyance or downright anger at any manifestation of humor by a Christian. Indeed, some people appear to have no sense of humor at all. That status signals to me the presence of a very unhappy person. But let stoicism be “enjoyed” by others who do not rejoice in the blessed hope of happiness, and let it be abandoned by redeemed hearts.

No one on the planet should be more happy, peaceable, and quick to recognize good humor than a serious follower of Jesus. Those who fit this identification savor joy, and engage in rejoicing that simply passes all understanding. They are able to project joy and happiness in the face of pain or other distasteful discouragements. It is not a denial of the negative aspects of life, but the anointed ability to rise above them. Love is the badge of a true Christian, and love, among so many other things, appreciates good, wholesome humor.

Good humor ranks high among many reasons why the fellowship of knowledgeable, dedicated believers is so desired, and so precious. In this context, one does not have to “walk on eggshells” for fear of offending someone, and the health benefits of a hearty laugh that is not at someone else’s expense is treasured. Solomon put it this way: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.

There is an old saying, “Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry, and cry alone.” Indeed, this reflects the nature of preferred human emotions. It is not that weeping has no place or even is out of order. There are times when it is the only thing that is in order, but not as a daily philosophy of life.

Some would purport that God is not a God of humor. For the life of me, I simply cannot understand how anyone can look at creation, and all that is in it which God has made and still think He has no sense of humor!

The Psalmist affirmed that one day God, Himself will laugh at foolish men who have sinned away their day of grace. Psalm 2:4; 59:8, Proverbs 1:26.

Moreover, who can help but rejoice with the Hebrews in their release from captivity and return to Jerusalem. Of them it is written, “When theLord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us;whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3.

FOR THOUGHT: Do you think the presence of wholesome humor is a good thing in a Christian’s life? Do you enjoy a hearty laugh now and then? Do you think of serious situations sometimes and lighten them with humor? What is your estimation of a merry heart?