Faith In Today's World: Laughter & Mockery
SCRIPTURE
"Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
“ሰብ ነቲ ዝዘርኦ ንእኡ ኸኣ ኪዓጽዶ እዩ እሞ፡ ኣይትጠበሩ፡ ኣምላኽ ኣይዕሾን እዩ።”
— Galatians 6:7
REFLECTION
Laughter lives where our enemies dwell. In every corner of our lives, we laugh and use laughter to bond with those we hold close. God does not condemn laughter as long as it does not come at His expense. To be clear, this sermon is not about laughter itself, but about the mockery that so often accompanies it.
The story of Dismas and Gestas offers a powerful example of what becomes of those who mock God (Luke 23:39–43). Dismas entered Paradise with Christ after defending Him and asking for forgiveness, while Gestas could not be saved because of his mockery. Two men. Two choices. Two eternal destinies.
Saint Paul's message to the Galatians warns us plainly: "Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Galatians 6:7). In His great love, God does not leave us without warning. He calls us away from deception and opens the door to His Kingdom. And yet, His Holy Name has become a source of mockery in today's world, as many treat the Word of God as something trivial or worthy of ridicule. This troubling reality stems from three root causes: a lack of knowledge, shame of what others may think, and fear that standing firm will cost us our friendships or social standing.
We Are Not Knowledgeable Enough
Many people do not realize that mocking God in any form is a violation of the commandment against taking His name in vain. Saint Paul, writing to the Ephesians, does not merely forbid such speech, he calls us to give thanks instead: "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving" (Ephesians 5:4). If ignorance is our obstacle, let us draw closer to God, learn what He asks of us, and grow through our mistakes. Knowledge of God is not a burden; it is a gift that protects us.
Ashamed of What People Might Say
Shame silences many of us when God's name is mocked, whether in person or online. Yet Christ Himself says: "Everyone who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). His name is holier than anything in creation, and by speaking up for that holiness, we become a witness. But the warning that follows is just as clear: "Whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). The cost of silence is far greater than the cost of speaking.
Fear of Losing Friendships or Social Status
We live in an age where social status has become so central to our identity that we forget our true purpose on this earth. If gently correcting others about the mockery of God's Holy Name strains a friendship, let us remember that it only deepens our relationship with Christ, who is the Judge of all. Everything in this world will one day pass away, and no friendship will stand in our defense before the throne of God.
King David opens the Psalms with a timeless truth: "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers" (Psalm 1:1). By refusing to sit among those who mock, even if they are our friends, we position ourselves to receive the blessing of God, whose name is Holy.
In a world that laughs at the Christian faith, let us choose to embrace it boldly. Let us guard our words, for we will be judged by them. And let us be a reminder to those around us that blasphemy is no small thing. It is a sin that denies God Himself.
Liturgical Meaning
In the Orthodox liturgy, the name of God is the most holy, proclaimed in the words: "Holy is the Father, Holy is the Son, and Holy is the Holy Spirit." His name is to be spoken with reverence, not made the subject of laughter or ridicule.
Theological Meaning
In Orthodox theology, God is above all things. He is the Creator, the One who was before all things, who is present now, and who will remain forever, unchanged. He is the God of Gods, and as such, He is neither to be mocked nor diminished by the words of those He has created.
PRACTICE
To honor God’s name in today’s world:
Speak Carefully: Avoid swearing or casual affirmations using God’s name.
Deepen Knowledge: Study Orthodox teachings, liturgy, and prayers to strengthen faith.
Defend Faith Respectfully: Respond wisely to irrelevance, showing confidence in belief.
Repent and Reflect: Examine moments when His name was misused and seek forgiveness through prayer or confession.
Live Faithfully: Let honesty, kindness, and devotion in daily life reflect true faith.
