Grant Swart
I have always had a huge appreciation for well written, well told or clever jokes. There have been times when I have literally laughed so much and deeply from the heart, that were it not for my partially overwhelmed sensibilities, I could have caused myself some “seriously hysterical” injury. Sheepishly I admit that this does happen at times, and fortunately there are those who understand these things. I must emphasize most clearly, that at those times I was nowhere near Toronto, and the laughter certainly wasn’t their kind of (un)holy laughter, either.
Now, before I get to the gist of that which I wish to share in this article, I must bring just a little biblical perspective to the subjects of humour and laughter. While we must be thankful, wholehearted and honest in our utilization of these gifts and abilities to enjoy refreshing humour in our lives, we must also constantly keep in perspective our instruction to “soberness” of Christian character. The book of Titus and Chapter 2 explains clearly what we should strive for in our actions in this regard.
Furthermore it is clear that, God having created us in His own image (likeness), and we have the ability to express and perceive humour, that God certainly does have a sense of humour.
Humour, or as our American friends prefer to incorrectly spell it, humor, has always played an enormously important part of the friendships I have formed with others through most of my life. I’m sure that is the case with many of you as well. Sometimes the silliest of things can be really very funny to some while seeming absolutely ridiculous or even tragic to others. As they say, whatever rocks your boat… although that is not always a good measure.
Somehow it seems that people with a sense of humour or an appreciation for the funnier side of things, are often easier to connect or get along with. Sharing a good laugh or a lighter point of view is usually a great “ice-breaker” and tends to assist in building trust in someone and can be a pointer on the way to mutual understanding. Not only is it a way to build trust, but it certainly can provide the means to determine who cannot be trusted, just as effectively. Very often, the bulk of what was a serious discussion with someone is almost entirely forgotten, but the joke which was told during that discussion remains in ones memory. Maybe not the exact wording or punchline, but the fact that a joke was made, nevertheless.
Humour is a great way to grab the attention or overcome the unnecessary reservations of those who seem to be unapproachable or overly skeptical. It can also provide a means to reconnect with bored or overwhelmed listeners. I have yet to hear of a great preacher, lecturer or spokesperson who does not make use of a good joke or two in gaining or maintaining the attention of the audience or congregation. Some of the most memorable jokes have been told from solid pulpits through the ages around the world. I am certainly not referring to preachers who present a laughably erroneous message, either, or those who like to throw punches which are below the proverbial belt, for the sake of making an impression by means of their shocking statements.
Of course believers have far better and fail-safe methods of determining true fellowship with dearly beloved brothers and sisters, than humour. That is certainly not the main reason for God giving to us this wonderful gift and the refreshing, joyous laughter it produces. It surely is another one of the innumerable ways in which He has made our fulfilling lives in Christ so very, very special and one which we should appreciate more than we generally do.
Among my favourite, or to be Americanishly incorrect: favorite, authors and television presenters, is one Jeremy Clarkson, who is synonymous with British newspaper articles, an ever increasing list of humourous books and TV programs such as the internationally acclaimed “Top Gear” motoring show. I am pretty sure that most of the brothers, and some of the sisters who read this blog would have heard of the inimitable Mr Clarkson, not least of all because his foremost stated “claim to fame” is that he is the tallest person working in British television today! I’m sure that helps.
Jeremy Clarkson is primarily a motoring journalist, but much of his politically incorrect writing is motivated by everyday life’s ups and downs, and he has an uncanny way of marrying the two in both his humour and his work. I happened to be reading this article of his recently and thought it would be worth publishing it on our blog. Be warned though. Don’t read it with the expectation of it containing theological wisdoms, or for it to bear any resemblance to the material which makes up the greatest portion of our blog. No, this is a worldly article, and that is not the reason for me posting such an extraordinary opinion here.
Strikingly evident from this article is that the lies that the one-world orientated powers-that-be, under the auspices of organisations such as the United Nations, European Union and global interfaith movement, are forcing onto an unsuspecting populace through carbon taxation, global warming, religious tolerance and one world monetary systems, do not go unnoticed by all who are in the world, either.
Jeremy’s humorous, yet accurate take on the developments surrounding the Olympic Games soon to be hosted in London, are very much in line with the awareness which believers should have about these matters. In this article he gives the multi-faith movement, global warming, corrupt politicians, carbon emissions, governmental failures, multiculturalism, deranged Muslims, ignorant organizers and fear-filled environmentalists the usual hilarious treatment, alongside his opinion on a beautifully made sports car, for those who might be interested in such things.
With the global economy and monetary units in tatters, I can hardly afford to pay attention to such luxuries, never mind actually paying for one at around US$ 230, 000 or for us lesser peoples in South Africa: around R1, 850, 000! In our neighbouring Zimbabwe that would be approximately ZWD 239, 000, 000, depending on the position of the sun, as that monetary unit devalues by the hour. Substantially.
For that much money, you could buy a small African country of your own, if you could ignore your conscience at not preferably helping the suffering people there!
Grace to all.
