Each and every day, I get all sorts of stuff making an appearance on my laptop screen. Yesterday was no exception. What was exceptional was my reaction to it.
First, the disclaimers. I pride myself (in the appropriate usage of that phrase) on being conservative in my theology, and yet not uptight nor legalistic. I’m a guy who chooses his battles. And the older I get, the more I realize that not everything is a hill to die on. So I let a lot of stuff go. I really do.
But not this time. From multiple individuals (self-proclaimed committed Christ-followers each), this one line was sent my way – meant to be funny, I know; clearly intended to bring a smile to my face and some levity to my heart.
The thing is, I didn’t find it humorous. Not in the least. Well, before I continue, let me share with you the joke, and then get your take on it. It goes like this: “My biggest fear when I meet God is that he'll sneeze and I won't know what to say...”
This is not an isolated case. I'm hearing more and more equally inappropriately careless (or legitimately humorous, depending upon your own outlook) "jokes" about God's nature, or "humor" at God's expense.
OK, be honest with me. Am I just showing my age? Has the innocence of youth left me? Am I now becoming what I promised myself and others that I would never become: a take-life-way-too-seriously, need-to-lighten-up, angry old codger (a word that, according to Webster, means “a mildly eccentric and usually elderly fellow”)?
OR… Does Exodus 20:7 mean something? As in the Contemporary English Version that reads, “Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name.” The Message Translation renders this verse, “No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter; God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.”
Have I become too influenced by my many dear Jewish friends who will not even pronounce God’s name, let alone write it, for fear of using His holy name irreverently?
Have we become so casual, so carefree in our attitude towards the Almighty God who by merely uttering a word flung the stars into space? Or so careless, so cavalier, and treating as common our Lord Jesus Christ who Himself twice said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34; Luke 6:45)?
Have we now come to a place in our Christian conversation where what was once said of those who populated the decadent Roman Empire can now be said of us Christians today? “They have no fear of God at all”?
Or am I just becoming cranky in my old age? A guy who needs to stop judging these kinds of jokes and just lighten up? Am I, despite my claims to the contrary, legalistic in my defense of God’s name?
Did God Himself get a good chuckle out of the joke? Is He such a pal, such a buddy, such a cool acquaintance that I ought to be able to joke about Him like I might joke about my puppy? And am really the poorer since I don’t? Since I won’t?
Please. Tell me what you think. I really want to know.
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6 comments:
Dewey, I am with you. There are many things that I might fear when I meet God and none of them are to be taken lightly. I have never heard of this saying but if someone said that to me I would probably speak up and let them know how serious meeting God will be. When we meet God it will be the single most important interaction in our eternal lives! To make light of that meeting is unthinkable!
-Linda Rhyme
Dewey, we agree with you totally. we do not think our God should ever be taken lightly in any way or in any manner. He is the only one that is to be given all of our total respect all the time. As ones that love him and want to serve him in truth. I belive we will be in such AWE of him that we will only be able to Praise and worship him. So thank you for your truth Dewey!!!!. NO NOT TOO OLD OR GRUMPY.
Dewey, Your question lighten up and Laugh? Or Not? I would have to agree NOT! I had my family read your question and we as a family agree it's not ok to be relaxed and causal when it comes to being in Gods presence. We hear and see these kinds of jokes all the time and it's very sad. Our youngest is still only 9 and found this not funny or cute.(Guess that would mean you're not getting old) With that being said I will end this with this.
And that's why we go to New Hope, it keeps us accountable!
The problem we have as humans is that we have nothing to compare God to, or no real explanation. Unfortunately, many try to explain God, somehow thinking we are equal to God, because He is our friend. Louie Giglio in "Indescribable" and the follow-on, "How Big is Our God", attempts to demonstrate how big God is and how small we are. Also his book, "The air I breathe" is also good on how we should relate to God.
Continually, we are to rejoice, pray (praise) and be thankful in everything, even the opportunity to intercede for some one who doesn't get it, but especially for a huge God. The universe is his footstool, but He LOVES us.
Larry Eckdahl
I'll be honest. I think I would have smiled and passingly thought "funny" before deleting it, then had a niggling feeling all day that I shouldn't have.
I think it is a blessing of growing older and maturing (sometimes mutually exclusive, I know), that we have more years of seeing our sinfulness and God's holiness and mercy, so that we do find our old ways of talking so casually about Him far too simple and unworthy.
IOW, I think you're right.
Thank you, I thought I was the only one getting to old to laugh at all the stuff, but I feel the exact same way. It is not funny to me and really never has. Maybe it was coming to the Lord later in life and being so grateful that I even heard the truth. I never say "God bless you after a sneeze" It was only started to make sure you didn't lose your soul is what I was told. I Just say, excuse me" for good manners. :) I cringe every time I hear someone take God's name is vain.
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