Humor (or humour as some spell it) is defined by Wikipedia as the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement. That term was derived from the ancient Greek practice of humoral medicine - in which it was believed that there was a balance of human body fluids which controlled health and emotion. Most people - all ages - races - cultures - respond to humor with varying degrees of response - from smiles and smirks to outright hearty laughter. The Greeks must have been onto something - as laughter is often said to be the best medicine for whatever ails one. Laughter - just as the other emotions of love and hate - anger and fear - is a basic part of human life.
Many Christians have the attitude that showing signs of humor is in bad taste - a sign of being frivolous - not serious about life. Some are so obsessed with this concept that they walk around with a constant frown on their face - projecting the idea that to be a Christian is a burden and a task. The task part is correct - all Christians are charged with the responsibility of sharing the Good News with all they meet - but the burden is a pleasant one - as serving God brings inner peace - joy - laughter. A well rounded Christian appreciates life and all that it holds - the good as well as the bad - the sad as well as the funny. Living as a Christian means experiencing all that life holds for each of us - even those things that we would rather not experience. In doing so - Christians experience the fullness of life - the fullness of Christ - the fullness of God. The next time you feel like laughing - enjoying a humourous moment - go ahead and laugh - it just might be God who is telling the joke!
Deacon Dale
Deacon Dale
