Flamingos and a Platypus

Does God have a sense of humor?
This question was posed to me by a high schooler who had always been told that God was serious all the time and that we needed to be serious as well. The view this high schooler had been given of the Lord was one of a God who should be fearfully revered at all times—that there is little joy that comes from the Lord, with following Jesus being a somber exercise at all times. This thinking is partially correct, as we should revere God, as He deserves our reverence, but that is only part of who He is.

My knee-jerk reaction, which I will be transparent about—does not have a specific scriptural reference—was, “Of course He does! If He doesn’t, then why in the world did He create flamingos and a platypus? Have you seen those?”

This statement elicited laughter from this high schooler as he thought about both of these animals.

Now, I apologize if those are animals that you love, but every time I see them, I cannot help laughing. Flamingos in particular make me smile with their bright color and long, almost disproportionate legs with curved necks. I find them humorous. I am sure that if you took the time, you could think of another animal that makes you smile.

My point to this student, however, was that of course the Lord has a sense of humor and joy. There are numerous things that the Lord has created that seem to exist only to bring joy or pleasure. A sunset and sunrise are functions of the Earth’s rotation and revolution around the sun. But why does that function create such beauty that it has stirred artists, poets, and others to try to capture the beauty and joy it creates? There is no “function” in making these things so beautiful. Instead, it shows the majestic creativity of a playful, joyful God.

This question, though, as I thought about it more, challenged me to ask myself if I was living my life like I believed that God is joyful and wants to give me joy. Not short-lived happiness, as we often think of joy, but true joy through our relationship with Him. The question—and my answer—caused me to pause and really look at where I see that He is a God of joy.

We see that He is a God of joy first and foremost in the fruit of the Spirit—joy; it’s the second on the list, actually (Galatians 5:22). This joy is not a fleeting sense of happiness but rather a deep-seated gladness from the Holy Spirit that is grown in a believer’s life as they walk closely with the Lord. This sense of joy comes from the Holy Spirit, who is part of God, so therefore, joy is part of God.

Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of the Lord giving the gift of joy and laughter to people, such as with Sarah when Isaac was born (Genesis 21:6). In heaven as well, there is joy and rejoicing when someone gives their heart to the Lord and is saved (Luke 15:7). Joy is close to the Lord, and He loves giving joy.

Also, we see that God is one who delights in us (Psalm 18:19, Psalm 147:11, Psalm 37:23) and at times even seems to tell jokes or use humorous metaphors. If you remember when Jesus was asked by a rich man how to gain eternal life (Matthew 19), Jesus replied that he should sell all that he possesses and follow Him. The rich man was saddened because he placed such a high importance on his possessions instead of focusing on the amazing invitation that Jesus was extending to him—to follow Him. Jesus then says, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

This, of course, was a serious point that Jesus was teaching to this man and others listening, but take a minute to try imagining a camel going through the eye of a needle. I do not know much about camels, but trying to picture one going through a needle causes me to smile and laugh. It is ridiculous. Jesus used this humorous picture to convey His message in an easily understandable way: Jesus is the only way to heaven—not through our own works or what we possess.

Also, don’t forget that we are created in His image, and we have been made with a sense of humor. If we are made in His image, as an imager of God, why would we then have a sense of humor or find joy in things if the Lord did not as well?

I want to be clear here, however. There are numerous definitions of humor, and what makes one person laugh may not make someone else laugh. In our world today, there is also a tendency to try to create humor around pain, crudeness, or at the expense of another. That is not God-honoring humor (Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:29), nor is it the humor that I am talking about. There is also a time and a place for humor (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and a time when it is inappropriate. When someone has lost a loved one, it is important to remember there is a time and place for laughter. For some, laughter helps in serious situations (Proverbs 17:22), while for others it marks a lack of care or respect. It is important to know the difference.

Does God have a sense of humor?
In my opinion, He does. He is a God who has given us joy and the ability to laugh while experiencing true joy through a relationship with Him. Joy is a part of who He is, and He loves to give us joy and laughter.

My challenge to you is simply to consider if you believe that God does have a sense of humor and joy. If so, what difference would that knowledge make in your life?

And if you need a reminder of the humor of God, don’t forget to look at flamingos and a platypus.