Don't Forget to Laugh

 

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but depression drains one's strength” Proverbs 17:22 (GWT)

The late Heath Ledger played one of the most iconic roles in movie history. As part of the Batman movies he played a truly crazy and sadistic Joker. In one scene, which is as frightening as all get out, he speaks one of the most quoted lines in recent movie history: “Why so serious?”

In the Church, laughter has often not been seen as very spiritual. After all, if you are laughing you are being silly and certainly NO CHRISTIAN EVER should be silly. We are to be mature and serious! We should be shoving Chick Tracks into every face we greet!

Do you know anyone who is serious all the time? We bet you do. And, you probably also may note - those who are serious all the time are usually somewhat depressed, deal with various ailments, and overall - well - you don’t want to hang around them.

Don’t get us wrong. There is a time for being somber…serious. As a matter of fact, you may remember these important words: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, BSB)

Note it says: there is a time…for both. And if there was ever a time for laughing it is now. Anybody else just plain wore out from all the bad news surrounding us?

In all seriousness (see what we did there?) we need to be a people of joy. People of humor, cheer and gladness. Why? Well, reread the opening verse from Proverbs: “A joyful heart is good medicine!”

It’s true - scientific and empirical evidence prove it: joy and laughter have vital spiritual and health ramifications.

Frank Powell, a minister, gives a few reasons every Christian should laugh:

1. Laughter drives out fear. This is particularly important when it comes to theology. If you believe God is always judging you, there’s little room for lightheartedness and fun. However, when you realize God receives you despite your mistakes and failures, you’re free to enjoy life. You can even laugh at yourself. As Habib Bourguiba puts it: “Happy is the person who can laugh at themself. They will never cease to be amused.”

2. Humor is a powerful tool for evangelism. James Martin makes this point in his book Between Heaven and Mirth. He says, “For believers in general, humor shows your trust in God, who will ultimately make all things well.” We are all inundated with stress and anxiety. Christians, however, serve a God who is greater than all we are dealing with. To smile and laugh with joy in today’s world sends a powerful message and will draw the attention of others.

3. Laughter cultivates humility. C. S. Lewis says, “A proud man cannot laugh because he must protect his dignity…But a poor and happy man laughs heartily because he gives no serious attention to his ego.” Joy and laughter are a great way to combat pride. Don’t believe us? Go look in the mirror and try not to laugh. Mean and ugly people cannot laugh at themselves and refuse to allow others to laugh at them. Stay humble my friends - laugh at yourself.

4. Humor keeps us in touch with reality. Manipulated and fake news is a gargantuan problem in the world today: “Don’t believe anything you hear and only half of what you see!” Humor and laughter go a long way in dealing with all the noise the world is creating. “Might as well laugh as to cry” is a great saying. When life tries to completely crush you - laugh. “Smile and wave boys, smile and wave…”

5. Laughter reveals courage. Elton Trueblood, in The Humor of Christ, says, “The Christian is merry, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of the divine sovereignty, are never ultimate.” How is this true? The serious side keeps us focused on the fight - the humorous keeps us focused on Who’s in charge. Christians should never be indifferent to evil while never doubting that God will bring us through.

6. Humor can have positive effects. Preachers, physicians and psychologists agree that humor and laughter are essential to healing the body, mind and soul. When you laugh your brain releases God-created chemicals which reduce stress, relax your body, boost your immune system, reduce pain and break negative thought patterns, among other benefits. And there are no side-effects! (Other than appearing to be a silly-head.)

With all the above in mind - it’s time for you to laugh. We present to you the following jokes to be read at your own discretion:

Why can't you hear the pterodactyl go to the toilet? Because the 'p' is silent.

How did the picture end up in jail? It was framed!

My wife refuses to go to the beach with me. I think she'd just being clothes-minded!

I wanted to take pictures of the fog this morning. But I mist my chance, so I guess I could dew it tomorrow!

Bad puns. It's how eye roll.

I made a pencil with two erasers. It was pointless.

What did the artery say to the muscle? You're being a little vein.

Why did the balloons run away from the concert? They were playing pop music!

What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows.

When a dad drives past a graveyard: Did you know that's a popular cemetery? Yep, people are just dying to get in there but it’s the last place I want to go! The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.