Like... what?
Why have so many of my brethren in so many places bought the bill of goods that laughter is somehow sinful and inappropriate, that it is right to mourn and be somber, even bored and totally disconnected, but it is somehow wrong for God’s People to laugh, especially together? Where did this mentality come from? Does laughter, “a merry heart do good like a medicine...” (Proverbs 17:21) except in as emotional a time as when Christians worship? Does it only heal (i.e. as a medicine) in areas non-spiritual? Where did we read that it is wrong to seek laughter in our worship of God? (See Psalm 126:2). Is that emotion wrong? Do we believe that God will wipe away every tear in heaven as well as every belly laugh? Do we think in some way that the most refreshing of emotions will be taken away from us in the best place ever conceived? I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard this in my life but it does not ring of truth!
“But what about reverence?” Yes, I know. But can we not laugh with reverence? And is that the only attitude we are to bring to worship?
As I read my New Testament and see those early Christians who broke the shackles of the Pharisees I learn of a group who rejoiced at salvation, at church growth, at times of being together, even at suffering! Wouldn’t it be neat to find a church where the people actually loved to be together, where they craved the assemblies, where even the nonbeliever was forced to rejoice at the joy found there, where every heart really did “rejoice and sing”? I can tell you that church would be refreshing and contagious. I have seen some who seem to have forgotten that our purpose is worshipping the Lord and who have gone into the entertainment business but that is not in any way what I am hinting at. I’m not purporting that this is all we do in worship, that we put on a comedy show and forget why we are there, but I am trying to get us to see that in its natural setting it is no more wrong than mourning, tears, somberness or joy.
Before you think otherwise, we do like to laugh at Spring Meadows. But, yes, this is a reactionary article. A reaction to 30 years of hearing only one side of this argument but never buying it! Frankly, I’m really rather tired of a handful of those with unchristian attitudes raining on God’s People’s happiness. I’m happy and it is not sinful. I love to laugh with and about good things. I crave the joy of fellowship with those in fellowship with the Lord. I can’t imagine not being happy being with other people who love the Lord as I do. Shouldn’t Christians be the most joy filled people on earth? Wouldn’t that be more attractive to a lost world? Shouldn’t we be happy when we come together? Even in the midst of sorrow, I am happy that I get to be with sisters and brothers who love the Lord and that we get to share our sorrow...together. There’s too much to fight, too much to contend over, too much to cry over - not to love to laugh with those who rejoice at being together trying to do what is right.
“Rejoice in the Lord always”...well except when you are with other Christians and when you do rejoice it better not find its way into a smile or worse a cackle.
PS: I’m gonna guess that this one is going to generate some comments - just keep it civil and loving folks. Keep it Christian. If not, I’ll delete your comment.