As I observe politics in many different countries these days, I’ve noticed how often the more authoritarian politicians are dour and lack a sense of humor. Any satire, pointing out foolish decisions, or even laughter at a benign happening is censured and censored, sometimes even with the one laughing being jailed. Comedians are silenced, and life is generally dismal. It is disturbing how one of the most important aspects of being human, namely laughing, is seen as a threat. As I look back at my childhood, I was always amazed at German politicians’ capacity to laugh at themselves and the sometimes ridiculous results of their policies. Oh, that more people in public office were so relaxed!
For the serious student of the Bible, this should not be surprising, for, as Martin Luther is credited with saying, the devil “is a spirit with a sad and sour disposition that cannot stand a heart that is happy.” Thus it would not be surprising that people bent in on their own self with their focus on their own aggrandizement could not see the humor in their words and actions. Only a humble person can truly laugh at him- or herself.
Anyone who does not think God has a sense of humor need look no further than the antics of our pets. Watching cats and dogs do silly things should make us laugh out loud. Indeed, G.K. Chesterton opines that God’s sense of mirth is so great that it is too heavy for us to bear, thus when living on earth as a man, he showed himself more staid and stoic than he truly is. Laughter is God’s remedy for sadness, joy is his remedy for fear and oppression. To be able to suffer loss and yet laugh, even softly, is truly divine. Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, endured the harsh realities of the cross with his eye firmly fixed on the joy set before him (Heb. 12:1-3). We should do no less.
Thus, considering his example, we need to cultivate clean laughter, for it is an expression of joy. Joy is, as we know from Scripture, not just a part of the fruit of the Spirit, it is also the stronghold God gives us in times of sorrow (see Neh. 8:10 in the HCSB and the original Hebrew) and it is the gift of Christ himself as we abide in him (Jn. 15:11). We are called to rejoice many times in Scripture (the most striking is Php. 4:4), and I cannot imagine rejoicing without loud shouts and resounding laughter. God himself exults, laughs, and sings over his redeemed people (Zep. 4:17). His people’s mouths are filled with laughter as he restores their fortunes (Ps. 126:1-3). When we laugh in delight, God delights in our delight. Even modern medicine sees the benefits of laughter as a healing agent. So we must seek laughter, especially in the darkness of this day and age. Look for the humor in situations, learn to laugh at yourself, and teach your children to laugh at themselves, then your life will be much less fraught with stress and sorrow, no matter how much trouble you must endure.