Why It's Not Funny

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4, ESV)

Interacting with many Christians today, you might think that the things we laughed at didn't matter to God. It's strange to write something which tries to convince people that the Bible they claim to believe means what it says. Ephesians 5:4 is exasperatingly clear. Exasperating because I cannot understand what's so hard to understand. Crude joking, humor that makes light of sin and/or treats sex as a dirty, common thing rather than a holy thing, is out of place.

It is out of place for those who belong to a holy God to tarnish what He has made beautiful. It is outrageous to claim to be redeemed from sin and death, and then find delight and humor in the sins of the spiritually dead. It is absurd to claim to be anticipating escape from the wrath of God, and then revel in the very things that kindled His wrath to begin with.

It's more and more common to think that these things do not matter. What really matters, they say, is finding innovative ways to reach more people. Of course reaching people for Christ matters. But do you believe you can escape one of God's commands by calling people's attention to another? If only laughter, in all its simplicity, did not reveal so much of our hearts. If this describes you, humble yourself and replace your filthy jokes with thanksgiving.

Are you afraid to make things awkward? This amounts to fearing men rather than God. Make it awkward. Wouldn't you rather offend a person, made from the dust and alive only a little while, than offend God, Who is in heaven and reigns forever? Tell them you don't find it funny. Tell them sex is a sacred and beautiful thing. Tell them to read Ephesians 5:4. Tell them whatever seems best. Do it with loving gentleness, but do it. Some will laugh at you and talk behind your back. Welcome to following Christ.