Judges 19:6 … let thine heart be merry.

Do you like to laugh? I love it! Yes, I know there are those who protest, “We see no place in scripture where Jesus ever laughed.” Perhaps. But we know Jesus was present at creation out of which we got such creatures as chimpanzees. How could the creator of chimps not have a sense of humor? If God created everything, which He most certainly did, then humor is one of His gifts to mankind. Let=s use it.

You are doubtless aware of a growing number of men and women who call themselves “Christian comedians.” While I am not a member of that troop, I do appreciate what they are attempting to do, which is to lighten the load from the saints. Someone taught me decades ago to take God’s work seriously but to never, never take myself seriously. It was good advice then and now. It has probably saved me ulcers. We need to learn how to enjoy life.

I have spent a lot of time over the years with “The Swan,” Dennis Swanberg. I have appeared on some of his television shows and he has been in our church on a number of New Year=s Eves. This man with an earned doctorate in theology is just simply funny. His impressions are “dead-on.” His Billy Graham impression is shockingly accurate – and very amusing. He once introduced me in his Billy Graham voice and I almost had to leave the platform from laughing.

Honestly, sometimes we believers need to just lighten up. I know I am very intense in my work and I truly do take it seriously. But there come times when it’s just good to let your hair down (or take it off, as the case may be) and just laugh. God gave us that ability, so why do we think He’s uncomfortable when we use it? Earlier in this column I wrote I don’t take myself very seriously. I can’t afford to. Too many people are laughing at me. So I might as well laugh with them.

Prayer: O God, I believe that Heaven is going to be a place of joy and liberty of spirit. Even now, on this earth, we can begin to practice the atmosphere of your celestial city. Teach me, Lord, to continue to be earnest in my zeal for you, but also to recognize that at times life is just – just plain funny. Thank you for the gift of laughter. Amen.