Good Morning!

August is history. Can you believe it? I’m not tired yet of being too hot. My body has changed over the years. At one time, I hated summer simply because of the heat. Now, it’s my favorite. I’m going to try really hard not to complain about winter.

That gets me to thinking. Did Jesus complain about the weather? He was fully human, so I’m sure he was uncomfortable from time to time. At the same time he was fully God, so he did not sin. What does that look like? I’m sure Jesus had plenty of days that his underwear was soaked with sweat. Plus, he didn’t have air conditioning! But…..he knew all about air conditioning because he’s God, right? Still, he couldn’t say anything about it.

Seriously, how would Jesus respond about a winter that just won’t seem to end? Would he acknowledge that fact yet still give thanks? Would he look forward to spring or would he relish the day? Or both? At what point does complaining become sin?

This is no little issue because this applies to almost all areas of our life. Do you ever find yourself joking about your spouse in a back-handed sort of way? Is that honoring your mate while at the same time complaining about him/her? I think we run into trouble with this kind of thing far more than we realize. After all, isn’t that the type of humor sitcoms are based on? While Don Rickles may be offensive to most, he’s simply taking that sarcastic style of humor farther than others do. (I just dated myself with that long-gone comedian, didn’t I?)

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

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Here’s one thing I know. Humor is from God, but Satan bastardizes that just like everything else. It’s my job to reclaim that which was stolen. I’m designed by God to laugh and make others laugh. Perhaps I need to re-learn my humor and discover what humor is supposed to be.

That, my friends, is something to look forward to! Maybe that is something to do on those long, seemingly endless winter days?

Father, teach me. Amen.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers