Date:
July 17, 2019Good Humour Tests
Having a good sense of humour is important, but how do we know if our humour is appropriate? Here are three checkpoints for testing “good humour.”
Resource Library
Browse
Humour
Chuck Swindoll asks,
How is your sense of humour? Are the times in which we live beginning to be reflected in your attitude, your face, your outlook? Solomon…says three things will occur when we have lost our sense of humour: a broken spirit, a lack of inner healing, and dried-up bones (Proverbs 15:13, 15; 17:22). What a barren portrait!…Humour is not a sin. It is a God-given escape hatch…a safety valve. Being able to see the lighter side of life is a rare, vital virtue.1
A refreshing sense of humour is never distasteful, ill-timed, or tactless. Instead, it lightens our spirits and energizes our thoughts. It helps us step back and not take this fleeting life quite so seriously.
“Three tests of good humour: Can you laugh at your own mistakes? Can you restrain when it isn't fitting? Can you enjoy it all alone?”2 If you can't yet answer yes to these questions, we invite you to enjoy our resources on humour. You may feel your strained muscles relax as your troubled thoughts are chased away by good old-fashioned laughter.
1. Charles R. Swindoll, The Finishing Touch: Becoming God's Masterpiece (Dallas: Word, 1994), 220.
2. Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll's Ultimate Book of Illustrations & Quotes (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), 283.
While Laughing, Keep Your Balance!
Those who try to follow Jesus’ example, without His strength, find their lives to be hypocritical and frustrating. What is needed in following Christ is balance.
Your Smile Increases Your Face Value
Centuries ago, God directed Paul to write a letter of exuberant joy—a letter that transcends time and culture.
Jake and Stan
Here’s a great fishing story from Chuck Swindoll that helps us understand Peter’s experience in John 21 a little better.
Old John
Because of God’s grace Christians live a different life, a holy life. Holiness is a lifestyle of integrity and moral excellence.
Laughter Therapy
I’ve learned you don’t need to be happy all the time—or even have a great sense of humour—to receive the benefits of laughter.
Five Ways to Stay Young
Here are five great ways to stay young: develop your mind, enjoy your humour, use your strength, pursue opportunities, and serve and seek God.
Age is Just a Stage
How do you stay young? Keep developing your mind, maintain your sense of humour, pursue your dreams, and never stop seeking and serving God.
When Things Don't Go Your Way
We tend to get angry when things don’t go the way we want. A good sense of humour can turn irritation into laughter. Next time things don’t go your way refuse to let your circumstances dampen your joy.
Laugh it Off
When things don’t go our way it’s tempting to get angry. A better ways is to laugh it off. When you choose to smile in the midst of chaos you’re choosing to rise above your circumstances.
