Proverbs 15:21 Folly brings joy to one who has no sense,
    but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.

Having fun can be a difficult subject. Many people have a distorted view of Christian faith, thinking it makes you “a stick in the mud.” Nothing could be further from the truth! It’s all a matter of what is fun. There are some people who think vandalism is fun. I’ve seen something that said, “They say a true friend will bail you out of jail. No, a real friend will be there in the cell with you, saying ‘That was a blast!’” That’s actually exactly what this verse is talking about. God desires joy for us, and simple enjoyment – fun – as well. However, the devil loves to distort the good things of God, and it can take wisdom to see through his lies. One of my grandfathers was a seminary professor, so my mother interacted with a lot of seminary students. She recalled hearing that one such student had taken a non-Christian girl to a party, and that girl was amazed. “I never knew you could have so much fun without alcohol!” The devil tells us that alcohol, or drugs, or sex, is the answer to our problems, but that is never the case. A dearly loved college professor of mine, Dr. Richard C. Pettigrew, said in one of his poems, “There’s such a thing as too much sense. You need a little nonsense to keep you sane.” I agree completely! However, listening to God will teach you the “nonsense” that will bless you and others. The only thing it will tear down will be lies.

I’ve always maintained that my existence is proof that God has a sense of humor! I certainly enjoy “being silly” at times, and it is well known that I am inflicted with “the pun disease.” (Or is it that I inflict puns on others?) However, I’m grateful that I’ve never been involved in “fun” that was destructive. I have always maintained that church should be enjoyable. We aren’t to take worship lightly, but we certainly aren’t to take ourselves too seriously. Genuine praise and worship is both fun and liberating, not to mention healing and inspiring. I’m grateful for the example I had growing up. My father, a university chancellor, no less, was known, when taking a group photograph, to stand on one foot and wiggle the other one around off to the side, to make people laugh. That’s both silly and having fun, and it harms no one. We had visitors this past Sunday who are faithful members of another denomination, and they were amazed at how much fun we were having! We had a meal after the service, and they felt fully welcomed and had a really good time. Repentance is essential for salvation, but you shouldn’t go on a guilt trip every time you go to church! The Gospel is indeed Good News, the best news you can tell anyone, and sharing it is genuinely delightful.

Father, thank You for Your overwhelming grace toward us. Help us recognize, welcome, and rejoice in that grace at all times, so that those around us may see and believe that You love them as well, so that they too may be saved, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!