Thursday: A Day Without Sarcasm

Humor is a funny thing. I mean, it’s not really funny sometimes. I remember hearing a story about Dr. Robert Baird, who taught philosophy at Baylor for so many years. When Dr. Baird was at Southern Seminary he had a classmate by the name of Grady Nutt. And Grady’s last name fit him to a “t” – he was a nut! In fact, he became a professional comedian who was extremely popular in Baptist life in the 70s. Grady was constantly touring campuses and churches, creating hilarity at each stop. He would often stop in my office at 7^th and James and before long have everyone in stitches. In fact, I once had him do a college retreat. At the end of a long night, Grady was holding court in the men’s side of the cabin, telling one funny story after another. I was worn out by it all and finally begged off and found a place far away to go to sleep. The next morning I woke up, and Grady was still joking and the guys were still laughing. They swore they didn’t stay up all night, but they were all in the same places wearing the same clothes. But back to Dr. Baird . . .

I am told that when Grady was in seminary he assumed the position of class/campus clown, always making fun. Occasionally it was said that Grady didn’t just make fun, but sometimes he made fun of . . . His gift of insight and sarcasm could produce some biting comments, sometimes even painful ones. That is where Dr. Baird came in. He went to Grady and told him how much he enjoyed him and his humor, but that he had to say something as a Christian brother. He told Grady that Grady’s humor could sometimes be interpreted as being mean, hurting and injuring people. Grady, who respected Dr. Baird immensely, took his words to heart and disciplined himself to make sure to use his humor in positive and redemptive ways.

Maybe that is a spiritual discipline for all of us. Granted, sarcasm in its proper place can poke fun in clever and insightful ways. But if it is used on people, then it can easily degenerate into a weapon of cruelty and pain. I think I need to take some time with God and learn to weigh my words. May they be seasoned with a humor that creates heavenly laughter and not hellish delight.