It is a sad state of affairs when we find ourselves without a sense of humor. Truly, there are occasions when laughter may be inappropriate, but even in those times having a sense of humor can be a comfort. I’ve seen many films from the World War 2 era, and have been intrigued by the amount of humor displayed by men who were in the “heat” of battle. Granted, that was in the movies, but it also bore a reflection of the real life attitudes of many.
Today we live, by and large, in a humorless society. Oh sure people joke, but there is a great tendency to look for ways to be offended. Our world is one where we demand our rights, whatever those “rights” may be. Trial lawyers take to the airwaves to convince us that someone has injured us, or wants to, and they stand ready to make sure we’re compensated. We must carefully guard what we say because words or phrases that once were harmless, may now be deep cutting slurs. Walking on eggshells has become a way of life. How miserable an existence.
This is not to be how a Christian lives. Certainly we should be wise about our use of humor. We shouldn’t be given to levity in all things or foolish joking, but neither should we be a bunch of dour curmudgeons. After all, we are to possess the “joy of The LORD.” It is OK to lighten up a bit. As Proverbs 17 : 22 advises, ” A merry heart does good like a medicine…“. Make sure you get your minimum daily requirement.