When I was an assistant pastor in Georgia, a wise older man told me that I had taught him something about the Christian life. I was immediately flattered and asked what it could be. He refused to tell me then, but promised when the time was right, he would let me know. I surmised what it could possibly be. Maybe he had heard a sermon I preached. Maybe we had discussed some deep theological truth. Maybe he had seen me lead someone to Jesus. After my resignation and plan to move to Flint had come about, he told me what I had taught him. He said that I taught him that it was ok for a Christian to laugh and have fun. I wasn’t impressed. At the time, I thought the lesson was far less than helpful. Now, as I watch the faces of people I preach to and those whose paths I cross on a daily basis, I realize that we all laugh and have fun far less than we should.
We quote the Proverb about a merry heart doing good like a medicine as though it were only applicable if we are sick. How about the fact that a merry heart does good period. Joy, mirth and laughter do us good. Before you start reminding me of the countless times that Ecclesiastes talks about sorrow being better than laughter, may I remind you that the book of Ecclesiastes is about a life lived under the sun apart from God. If you’re Gods child and you live in a funk, you’re doing it wrong.
Maybe Jesus will teach you that it’s ok to laugh and smile when you get to Heaven. In the meantime, lighten up and learn a few jokes. We will all be laughing at you either way. 😄
Joel Stiff's Adventure 