On my previous post I asked some questions about joking
around with friends. After thinking through the subject for a little longer I
have come to a partial conclusion on the matter. The most influential verse I
looked at in contemplating
the issue of joking with friends is Proverbs 26:18-19 which says, “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who
deceives his neighbor and says, "I am only joking!"
Deceiving someone for the purpose of a
laugh is an act of conformity to the character of Satan.
The madman
described in the verse above is described as throwing “firebrands, arrows, and
death” and this person also “deceives.” Do you know who
else is described as throwing “flaming darts” and being a deceiver? That's right,
Satan.
Ephesians 6:16 “In
all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish
all the flaming darts of the
evil one;”
John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do
your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand
in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of
his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Revelation 12:9 “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient
serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he
was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor
from the LORD, but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me
love death.”
If I engage in deceiving someone,
I am putting on the character of Satan instead of putting on the character of
Christ.
We are commanded in scripture to put on our new self (Ephesians 4:20-24).
I am not saying that we cannot joke around with friends and have a laugh. I am
saying there are ways to joke around without deceiving someone. We should
be careful about getting used to deceiving people for the purpose of a laugh because
will become comfortable with embodying a characteristic of Satan. Let us be
faithful ambassadors of the character of Christ, and may we continue to search
the scriptures and remain faithful.
