Thinking About the Value of Humor

"Don’t take yourself too seriously.” You have heard that expression before. It means basically that as human beings we should realize the value of humor.

Interestingly, this idea is expressed in Scripture: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13). What does this passage mean?

Simply that laughter and humor cause the face to shine; one’s demeanor and disposition are pleasant and engaging. On the other hand, failure to laugh and an overall lack of humor and joy contributes to a sorrowful heart that drains a person of life and optimism.

Friend, it seems that even secular business leaders have realized this truth.?Some years ago, Accountemps reported that 96% of executives surveyed believed people with a sense of humor perform better on the job than those without.

Hodge-Cronin & Associates found that of 737 CEOs surveyed, a whopping 98% preferred job candidates with a sense of humor to those without. And according to Burke Marketing Research, 84% of executives linked sense of humor with better job performance.

Among employees, 75% believed that promoting fun creates closer work relationships, makes a job more attractive and reduces turnover. Do you see it? It seems the world is better informed about the value of humor than many Christians?are!

That is, in some places members of the Lord’s church are hesitant to laugh, joke, and “cut the fool.” Why? Because they consider such behaviors to be less than godly. This unfortunate conclusion is reinforced by preachers who rarely smile and joke, let alone erupt in genuine, affectionate and?hearty laughter!

Despite their behaviors, God tells us in His word about the value of humor. At the West Broad Church of Christ, we are committed to hearing heaven's message and learning the lesson our Lord is teaching us. We hope you will do the same where you are.

So what does all this mean as you read this post? It's simple. On this week, share a smile and enjoy a laugh. Hopefully, your actions will be?contagious!?

Want to talk more about it??Are you interested in?becoming?part?of a fun and loving faith family serving Jesus with passion, purpose and power in downtown Richmond? Feel free to?contact us here.?And if your schedule allows (and we hope it does!),?come?worship with us?at 813 West Broad Street?this?Sunday morning?at 10:30 (Bible classes for all ages at 9:30). You'll find?parking information here.

Onsite or?online,?you will always experience a warm welcome and encouraging, relevant?word from the Lord?at the West Broad Church of Christ.?We certainly hope to see you soon!