Some people take themselves way too seriously. I know at times, I do. However, I’ve learned that having a healthy sense of humor, even laughing at yourself on occasion, can lead to a more balanced and joyful life.
I was reminded of this principle recently after seeing an internet meme based on a famous line from the movie The Dark Knight released in 2008. The line, “Why so serious?” comes from Heath Ledger’s performance as the villainous Joker. In Ledger’s most powerful scene of the movie, the Joker describes the physical and emotional scars inflicted by his father, which gives viewers insight into why The Joker was so deranged. The movie was a huge success but sadly gained extra attention after Ledger’s tragic death before the movie’s premiere.
As I wrote in my previous post, Understanding Your Past Shapes Your Future, every man should address the significant wounds of his past that keep him from living fully into his God-given potential. But resolving past wounds is no laughing matter. For the Joker (and maybe Ledger himself), their unresolved wounds went deep. Some guys can simply learn to not to take themselves so seriously. Others will bury their past and never deal with it.
I’d suggest every guy should talk through their past with another close friend to find healing from these wounds. For me, it came through conversations with my GodBuddies. For extreme cases though, seek the help of a psychologist, counselor, or medical doctor.
The Bible also gives some guidance about humility, grace, joy, and love. I believe these can apply to all good human beings, regardless of religious beliefs:
- Humility – Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Being able to laugh at oneself often requires a humble attitude that recognizes your own limitations and imperfections. Humility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.
- A Season for Every Emotion – Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” This verse suggests there are appropriate times for all our different emotions. Taking yourself too seriously can lead to unnecessary and increased stress and anxiety. Of course, being a goofball most of the time is boyish behavior that doesn’t show maturity.
- Grace and Forgiveness – Understanding God’s grace and forgiveness helps us extend grace to ourselves. Romans 3:23-24 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Recognizing our own flaws and imperfections can lead to a lighter, more forgiving attitude toward ourselves.
- Joy – Philippians 4:4 encourages believers to “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” While this verse doesn’t explicitly address laughing at oneself, it speaks to the overall attitude of joy that Christians can have. This joy can include finding humor in everyday situations, including our own mistakes and shortcomings.
- Love Your Neighbor as Yourself – In Matthew 22:39, Jesus teaches, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Learning to laugh at yourself can also be an expression of self-love that allows for greater empathy and understanding toward others when they make mistakes or face challenges.
These Christian principles help everyone find more joy in their life. For men, a healthy balance of emotions helps them be better fathers, husbands, and friends. It doesn’t mean you can’t be serious when needed. But when you can learn to laugh at yourself with humility, love, and grace, you exhibit the ultimate joy from being a godly man.
[Photo courtesy of a Facebook post from The River 105 & 103.5. “FM. Rock. Radio.”]
Wisdom for Men is based on my opinions on topics that help men become better men. The sources used for these posts are not fact-checked but support my theory that men are better with deeper, more authentic friendships. My GodBuddy theory is based on biblical principles but applies to all men, regardless of their beliefs. Better friendships among men will help solve the crisis of male friendships and many of today’s problems… because the world needs better men!
