TODAY IN THE WORD
One popular stereotype of Christians portrays them as dour grumps with no sense of humor. This is actually an extension of how many people view God, thinking of Him as a giant killjoy who doesn’t want people to have fun or laugh or tell a good joke. After all, there’s nothing funny in the Bible, is there?

We’ll spend the next month answering this question, studying Scripture to see how God uses humor perfectly and purposefully in His Word. We’ll learn how God uses humor to teach us about ourselves, to emphasize His own character and works, and to delight His people. Our study will include the godly place for humor and an exploration of the great divine comedy of our redemption.

The human capacity to laugh, to tell a joke, and to delight in what is funny must be traced back to the very origin of humanity. Genesis 1 describes the creation of the first man and woman as representatives of God’s image on the newly created earth. The full deity participated in the decision to create humanity and to endow them with purpose—note the plural pronouns in verse 26: “Let us make man in our image.” God concludes His assessment of His creation by describing the man and woman as “very good” (v. 31). This man and woman were created to manifest the full image of the Godhead.

Of course, after the Fall, humanity had marred the ability to perfectly reflect the image of God. Sin permeated every aspect of human existence. Activities that once were pure became tainted with wrong motives, inappropriate applications, and selfish ends. This includes the appreciation of humor and the ability to laugh. Delight in the comedies of life became twisted, and humans didn’t know when to laugh or what was funny.

The words of Ecclesiastes remind us that God’s people are not called to abandon laughter, but rather to learn its proper time and application. It is folly to laugh when we should mourn; it is wise to know the time for embracing laughter and mirth.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
James 1:5 reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously.” As we begin our study this month, spend time in prayer asking God for His wisdom to know when to laugh. Followers of God are not called to a life of grim existence, but we must guard against inappropriate humor. Ask the Lord to use His Word to shape your heart—and your sense of humor—to conform to His image.

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