![]() It seemed to me that their discernment was both consistent with Scripture and conducive to an even better retreat, one in which all men felt welcome and encouraged. But, they did make a new commitment to avoid off-color language and risqué stories. Most of the jokes, stories, and gags were both enjoyable and edifying. We are to avoid words that degrade what God has created for good, including our sexuality.Īfter considering Ephesians 5:4, the men from my church decided that it was fine to do much of what had made our retreats fun. Rather, we are being cautioned about language that is obscene and impure. This is not a blanket prohibition of all humor and laughter. When we carefully study both the context and the language of Ephesians 5:4, we see that Paul is not saying Christians should never tell a joke or a funny story. When their food arrived, the husband said: Our food has arrived Let’s eat. Was it right to be silly? Was some of our humor too negative? Some folks pointed to the King James Version of Ephesians 5:4, which cautions against "filthiness," "foolish talking," and "jesting." Does this mean that all joking around is wrong? A husband and wife were dining at a 5-star restaurant. Harry's criticism launched a wider discussion about the appropriateness of humor at the men's retreat. They wanted God's Word to govern all of their lives, including their language at the men's retreat. But some of the others, including some who had enjoyed a racy joke or two in the past, knew they couldn't simply reject biblical instruction because they didn't like it. What was Moses’ wife, Zipphora, known as when she’d throw dinner parties The hostess with the Moses. ![]() Where can we find evidence that Jesus egged people in the BibleTake my yoke upon you, He says in Matthew 11:29-30. He cited Ephesians 5:4 as his authority, challenging the men to avoid "obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking." Most of the other men wanted to reject Harry's criticism by labeling him as a killjoy. Which animal is Elisha’s favorite She bears. But he was especially critical of some of the suggestive stories. He seemed a bit put off by the humorous tone of the event, preferring a more prayerful ambience. Until one year, when a man I'll call Harry showed up at the retreat. The others would chuckle and forget about it. Once in a while, during informal gatherings, one of the men might tell an off-color joke. We did silly skits and pranked each other. But one of the most distinctive elements of our men's retreat was humor. Yes, there was plenty of time for singing, prayer, and Bible teaching. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.ĭuring my tenure at Irvine Presbyterian Church, the men of the church went on an annual retreat.
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