J.W. Von Goethe said, "Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at.". Laughter is such a strong part of our culture and we certainly seem to have ample opportunity to have our funny bone tickled. There is an entire television channel devoted to the art of making people laugh. But should it not matter what amuses us? I was at a play at an elementary school recently and some of the lines uttered by the pint-sized performers were more "cute" than "funny" though the chuckling crowd indicated otherwise. I think maybe the audience was moved more by the joy of seeing little ones on a stage in adorable costumes than anything else. It seemed good...and pure. I liked it, and I laughed too.
I think to laugh at things that bring joy is a good thing and the laughter purposeful. But not all laughing seems this way. Laughing at frivolity or cynicism can reveal a heart that is not beating in cadence with the Father's. Recently a popular comic lost his job because he tried to get people to laugh at other people that were in the midst of deep suffering. Some fellow wisecrackers came to his side in an attempt to defend his humor by explaining that this is what a comic should do. "He." they said, "should bring levity to dark situations." But surely laughter is more than the best medicine...more than some sort of drug that alleviates pain in the midst of the reality of dire situations. There is something that does that for us, but it is not called laughter. It is called joy, and it only comes from a quiet confidence that God is in control no matter what the circumstances.
To fellow Christ-followers I would submit that we do not laugh because others are suffering. We laugh because the Truth reveals that due to Christ's suffering we are healed. Our sin is removed and eternal life can be attained through the cross. Therefore we can say, "O Death where is your victory? O Death where is your sting?" Laugh often believer...but laugh wisely and do not chuckle at inappropriate humor. For laughter is a gift from above (as are all good things) and like all gifts from God it should be utilized to bring glory to His Name. More to come...