The Christian EducatorA publication of North Valley Baptist Schools

Make Me Laugh

By Josh Nolan

Recently, I was asked to write a humorous article for a newsletter our school sends out; come to think of it, this is that article. I began to ponder the topic of laughter as the son of the psalmist had in Ecclesiastes 2:2. I pondered at my desk; I pondered in my car; I pondered as I looked for my thesaurus.

As I thought more about what to write that would be humorous, I realized that everyone enjoys a hearty laugh. The Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:” I believe God has a sense of humor and intended for humor to be a part of life. It is like a medicine – a tool to help hurting hearts; however, I believe the Devil has spoiled humor and is using it to hinder Christians from their walk.

Many remember a day in America when humor was appropriate, fresh, and unexpected. Charlie Chaplin, Abbott and Costello, The Three Stooges, Don Knotts, Jerry Lewis, and others provided wholesome entertainment that made the world laugh. Today, it seems that much of the humor produced is cheap, perverted, and sinful. The more authority is mocked, the louder the laughter. The more morals are belittled, the louder the laughter. The more sin is promoted, the louder the laughter. America’s sense of humor has changed, and our students have a front row seat!

Teenagers love to laugh. “Tell us a joke,” “Make us laugh,” or, “Do something funny,” are phrases heard often by teachers. It is obvious that teenagers have a desire to laugh. If they can never laugh at school, they will find some place to make them laugh. While the Christian teenager may not intentionally view sinful content, he may excuse and rationalize jokes that include worldly philosophy, sinful actions, and inappropriate behavior. Why? Because it is funny.

As Christian leaders, we should set the direction. Humor should be appropriate. Acts 4:20 states: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” What goes into the well of the heart will always come out of the bucket of the mouth. As teachers, we must guard what we joke about with our students. Consider the following questions before telling jokes: Is it appropriate? Does it endorse a worldly philosophy? Does it promote sin?

Last year, I was asked to provide some type of comedy routine during chapel. Our principal wanted to have something every week that was on the lighter side for the teenagers to enjoy. I decided I was going to do my best to promote proper humor that was not tainted by the world. Many times it is difficult to think of funny material that is appropriate, fresh, and unexpected. I realize it is rather insignificant, but I hope my routine leaves an impression on our teenagers that Christians do not have to go to the world to find pleasure, humor, or fun.

I love to laugh. Don’t you? God gave us humor; don’t let the Devil take it away. So, go ahead, make me laugh.

About the Author: Josh Nolan has been teaching high school Bible, math, history, and video editing at North Valley since 2006. A graduate from Golden State Baptist College, he leads the Preacher Boys' Club and is mostly known for his wacky antics on the No Nonsense Nolan Show during chapel. Josh and his wonderful wife Staci were married in 2005 and are eagerly waiting for the first addition to their family due in September 2009.