The other day I wrote a post called “Beware the Scold.” Nevertheless I recently found myself in a situation that felt particularly scold-y. Sometimes our culture is a bit like the Parable of the Prodigal Son — the party has started but there are a slew of older brothers who refuse to join in. Can you relate?
The decision to remain joyless is an inexplicably popular one. I will not laugh at that. I’ll sit here and cross my arms. It’s not fair. He has more. She’s mean. That’s offensive.
Meanwhile laughing literally heals. It’s a great equalizer and bonds us in profoundly memorable ways. A joyless Christian should not be.
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
When King Solomon and Mayo Clinic assert exactly the same thing— a good laugh is good medicine — you’d think even the most secular would be drawn to humor. Most babies begin laughing out loud just a couple months into life. They instinctively recognize the absurd joy of peek-a-boo. Yet many 21st Century adults choose to be offended when others laugh at absurdity.
As Christians, we know how the story ends. We also value the inherent worth of each person, recognizing that those with whom we are least aligned are just as loved by our Creator. These truths should free you up to find humor in the absurd. It’s a balm we all need.
Digging Deeper:
Do you laugh easily? When do you think it is inappropriate to poke fun?
Are you able to laugh at yourself? If not, have you asked God to help you? And if you can laugh at yourself, do you encourage those around you to do so?