Chuck Swindoll Daily Devotional 10th June 2025, Insight For Today
TOPIC: When the Laughter Fades
SCRIPTURE READING – Philippians 3:1
Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1)
All this leads me to a terribly important subject I have been wanting to address. I’m unable to restrain myself any longer . . . and I especially have in mind those of you who can’t stand coming in second because you face a great temptation.
What is it? It is the temptation to believe that earthly honors will automatically result in heavenly rewards. This kind of thinking is at the root of a humanistic philosophy of life that says: “By working hard and accomplishing more than most, I will earn God’s favor and receive His nod of approval.” I don’t know of a more subtle, albeit heretical, philosophy than that, yet it is universally accepted as true. And so, the tragedy is, enough is never enough. Life is reduced to work, tasks, effort, an endless list of shoulds and musts . . . minus the necessary fun and laughter that keeps everything in perspective.
Why does it happen? What is it that drives us on so relentlessly? Are you ready? Take a deep breath and allow yourself to tolerate the one-word answer: PRIDE. We work and push and strive so we can prove we are worthy . . . we are the best . . . we deserve top honors. And the hidden message: I can gain righteousness all on my own, by my own effort, ingenuity, and energy. And because I can, I must!
Why is this heretical? Because ultimately this philosophy says: (1) I really won’t need divine righteousness (after all, God helps those who help themselves, right?), and (2) I will find lasting joy in my own achievement. This will bring me ultimate satisfaction. Both are dead-end roads found on Fantasy Island.
There is always that one telltale sign when pride takes charge: the fun leaves. A driven high achiever may smile on occasion, but it is a surface grin, not a strong, quiet sense of satisfaction. Deep within, he or she is really thinking, Life is much too busy, much too serious to waste it on silly things like relaxation and laughter. Staying wound up that tight can cause the mind to snap. Don’t let your sense of humor disappear.
Taken from Laugh Again by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1992 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com