To even mention the scriptures we will deal with here is enough to draw forth further jokes, comments and excuses. I however would rather have the Word condemn me and my actions than dare change or lighten it. It may seem like a small thing to some but when we call ourselves mature believers, and even preachers, and yet cannot submit our humour to Gods Word it may well come back and bite us. I have watched such things over the years devide friends, spouses and churches. So beware.
Like all of us, I can enjoy a bit of good humour – but to think you can have a spiritual ministry and at the same time be known as a light foolish person or 'act the maggot' as we say - your decieved. If you think that is being too spiritual or too holy, then you are the one with a problem. To hurt Brother or Sister under the guise of jokes and humour will not be ignored by the HOLY Spirit. For us to get offended by small things others say to US yet to do the same thing to others without a blink of an eye or thought is something of a contradiction not to mention hypocricy.
I have sadly watched as the conversation in a gathering of genuine believers has spiralled into foolishness. At such a time to keep the conversation on Christ is impossible. This ought not to be.
A few notes on this vital but scorned teaching of scripture:
Eph.5:1-5, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”
Foolish talking (GK:- mōrologia) = silly talk; buffoonery
Barnes says: “This word - mōrologia - does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means that kind of talk which is insipid, senseless, stupid, foolish; which is not suited to instruct, edify, profit - the idle ‘chitchat’ which is so common in the world. The meaning is, that Christians should aim to have their conversation sensible, serious, sincere - remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment’ Mt.12:36.”
Jesting (Gk:- eutrapelia) = witticism, ribaldry, repartee (from meaning well turned)
Again Barnes says: “This word occurs also nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly means, that which is ‘well-turned’ - well, and - to turn); and then that which is sportive, refined, courteous; and then ‘urbanity, humor, wit; and then jesting, levity’ - which is evidently the meaning here. The apostle would not forbid courteousness, or refinement of manners (compare 1 Pet.3:8), and the reference, therefore, must be to that which is light and trifling in conversation; to that which is known among us as jesting: (1) that ‘courteousness’ is not forbidden in the Scriptures, but is positively required; 1Pet.3:8. (2) ‘Cheerfulness’ is not forbidden - for if anything can make cheerful, it is the hope of heaven.”
convenient = to be fit; fitting
And once more: “That is, which are not fit or proper; which do not become the character of Christians; note, Rom.1:28. Christians should be grave and serious - though cheerful and pleasant. They should feel that they have great interests at stake, and that the world has too. They are redeemed - not to make sport; purchased with precious blood - for other purposes than to make people laugh. They are soon to be in heaven - and a man who has any impressive sense of that will habitually feel that he has much else to do than to make people laugh. The true course of life is midway between moroseness and levity; sourness and lightness; harshness and jesting. Be benevolent, kind, cheerful, bland, courteous, but serious. Be solemn, thoughtful, deeply impressed with the presence of God and with eternal things, but pleasant, affable, and benignant. Think not a smile sinful; but think not levity and jesting harmless.”
I’m afraid foolish talking and jesting have some very unsavoury bedfellows in the above scriptures. You would need to ask 'Is this becoming of saints?'