We are to have no unwholesome or worthless talk. We are to be helpful and kind, tenderhearted and forgiving. The humor often comes from jesting in such a way that seeds of resentment could easily be sown. Perhaps, even as people see Mark put on a scowling, funny face regarding someone he's being sarcastic to, others will also be inclined to think of their examples and be encouraged to mentally send them a scowling face.
Eph 5:4 Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God]. (AMP)We have a tendency toward double-mindedness. As we read the Bible, we may say, "Yes, yes, that is so true!" but, a few minutes later, we are coarse jesting about someone or speaking unkindly toward someone, or laughing at their clothes, or hair style, or nose, or teeth. There is an attitude of the heart that we may decide we'd like to acquire in which people are given the benefit of the doubt and truly loved by us--even as they do not act civilly toward us, or show us they are unattractive or even outwardly despise us. Words and the thoughts that stir them into being, are swords which we swing, ultimately cutting both them and us. Or words and the thoughts that stir them into being, may also be bait used by the Lord to catch men and make them Heaven bound. Which will it be? We may laugh at coarse jesting as we view a Christian show, but if we were to remind ourselves by reading God's Word, what attitude we are to have, we'd have to repent and ask God for a forgiving, compassionate heart--a heart that does not want to see anyone even ever so slightly, hurt by our remarks. Jesus said He was the light of the world. John said Jesus was the Word, made flesh. The Word provides the light through which we are to view our world. In the discerning light of God's Word, then, are we supposed to laugh at things that should, probably, be a call for our prayers? Should we snicker at things that should call for us to have compassionate hearts? We say that the Bride's heart needs to be examined and all worldly infestation needs to be removed in preparation for the coming of God's Son. And, once again, I want to bring up the Proverb that the love of money is the root of all evil. The Gospel should not even be in the hands of the professionals! It isn't for the professionals to tell us, it is for us to share with them and everyone else we come in contact with. People should not be making money from God's Word. It has to stop because it is so easily polluted. The professionals who are making money off God's Word will probably not be able to see what they are doing. We need to cease wanting to be entertained for money--whether it be a concert, or a sermon--we must gather in small groups and pray earnestly for our ears to be opened to God's direction. And when we get that direction and follow it, God will take care of our daily needs so that we need not fear. This paragraph covers so many sins that are happening daily around the world as God's Word is mixed into the economics of it. If the chains of economics were cut from anything having to do with God's Word, the narrow way wouldn't be so narrow. If those economic chains were cut, all the charlatans and money-grubbers would have no desire to stay in the business and they would move on to another line of work--leaving behind the sincerely penitent who have the heart of God and a true compassion for others. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Could you be one who has the heart of God and who doesn't want to earn a living off of God? Another view of the huge Gaither concerts that could be looked at is this: Why are so many coming? God's Word does not promise that all will be hunky dory. Why are so many attracted to these concerts? Does Gaither tell the truth found in God's Word? Or is he giving a sermon through songs made palatable for the masses, as He sings only about going to heaven? Yes, God loves us but, He wants His Bride prepared for His Son, Jesus Christ and this purification probably won't happen if the Bride is sitting in a large concert hall listening to professionals sing about Jesus. Jesus said if you love Him, you will follow His commands. Loving Jesus, then, is not an easy thing to do--but it really shouldn't be easy. It should be one of the hardest things we'll do in our earthly life, but truly the most fulfilling. We must pray for our persecutors, love and forgive our enemies, do good to those who do bad to us. As we forgive others, then, God forgives us, removing residual infestation necessary as we obtain our pure hearts. As we follow Jesus' commands, then, to love and forgive, Jesus will accept the love we give to Him for we will have met His conditions. That, folks, may be the only entertainment we need!
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