Humor is a unique gift—not everyone uses it the same way, and that’s part of what makes it special. For some writers, a light touch comes naturally; for others, it develops with practice and intention. What we do know is that humor has a remarkable way of opening doors. It can help us see familiar situations from fresh angles, lighten even serious moments, and draw readers into deeper reflection.

As churches navigate declining attendance and communication styles continue to evolve, there is room to rethink how we share the Word. Thoughtfully used, humor can be an engaging tool. It captures attention, disarms resistance, and brings warmth and relatability to messages that matter. Many people—especially in stressful times—gravitate toward content that brings a smile, and it’s no surprise that humor columns are often among the most-read pages in a magazine.

The article could explore how writers can integrate gentle, meaningful humor into Christian storytelling, teaching, and commentary. It might include practical tips, examples, or reflections on why humor resonates so strongly with readers today.

Below is an example of an article that incorporates humor.

The corrupt Ananias and Sapphira

Acts 5: 1 – 11 (Berean Study Bible – BSB)

Now a fraudulent couple of Ananias and his sweetheart Sapphira, who lived in an area near your place of abode sold, through a land broker, a piece of  land. All the proceeds were for the ministry of God. They got inspired by the devil to rob God corruptly by keeping some of the proceeds for their own usage. They found it wise to surrender the remainder of the loot to the apostles, for God’s work.

This was after the resurrection of Jesus and his subsequent evaporation into the clouds, where there arose a conflict between Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John, on one hand, and the Sanhedrin leadership. They had just healed a lame man not in the age bracket of Generation Z but aged forty years. That act did not amuse the Sanhedrin. They wanted these two apostles muted from blaring anything to do with Jesus and his successive resurrection. Fortunately, the circus of brutally hi-jacking suspects and hoarding them in a safe-house had not been invented. The mode of transport then was via horses and donkeys; vehicles had not been born.

The Sanhedrin had censored the successive spread of fame and name of Jesus. It felt greatly disturbed that the two were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They found Jesus to be in conflict with the Law of Moses. With the crowd being behind the two, it could not find a way to punish them. And so, it could not take them to a court of law.

Disciples and believers of Jesus snubbed capitalism, and practiced socialism. They shared everything including the air they breathed. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and submit the monie to the  apostles for distribution to anyone in need. Does that happen nowadays in our worship centres?

This man-man called Ananias and his babe Sapphira, pretended to be socialists but were true capitalist at heart. Having the plunder in their pockets, their heart beats changed from normal to what a medical doctor would have declared to be High Blood Pressure. Also their entrepreneurial intellect went a notch higher. They smelled a salon here for daughter, and a taxi there for their Generation Z kids. And Ananias entertained the thought of testing his prowess in the madness called betting. His heart told him: “Premier league, Serie A, La liga etc. etc.”

Their chance of crossing the valley of poverty had come sooner than they had anticipated. Both agreed to hoard some monie. They also arranged the hubby to deliver the loot to the believer’s secretariat without pomp. The wifey was to join them later, to rubber-stamp the correctness of what had been submitted. Like most people with corruption monie, the guy felt overconfident as he did his act. Peter with the advantage of the spirit of wisdom and revelation and leading the council of the assembly, was not amused and smelt a rat; a rotten one indeed.

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why are you economical with the truth. How is it that Satan has filled your heart, tongue and pockets to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the prime plot in your wallet? Did it not belong to you before selling it? And after it was sold, was the monie not at your disposal and mercy? How could you conceive such an exploit in your heart and wallet? You have not lied to men, but to God!” Wonder of wonders, on hearing these words, Ananias lay there dead. He did not know what hit him as he fell down and became a resident of the next place of abode after this ka-world.

Fear enveloped all who were present and those who heard what had happened. Then ushers of the assembly acted quick and fast. They wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. No funeral ceremony took place. No ceremonial motorcade witnessed en route to cemetery. No hearse was sighted. No sobbing guests as the casket was lowered. No black attire for final and last respects. I guess the area’s cemetery was in the vicinity, and no cemetery charges for services rendered. No death certificate issued, real or imagined. The bible does not record any family, colleagues or friends in attendance as it is wont to happen these days during a burial elsewhere.  No casket mentioned as well.

About three hours later, a perspiring and perplexed Sapphira enters the scene. She had used part of her share of the loot to hurriedly grab a pizza and a soda in a road-side kiosk, having previously passed through a hair salon for a quick re-touch of her jogodo hairstyle. The local supermarket had been her next stop where she dropped in a tuk tuk taxi for some groceries and sent them home via the same. She had monie and the problem was how to use it.

She used an Uba taxi to make a triumphal entry into the assembly grounds holding a glittering brand new smart phone in her right hand. A valued gadget she passionately longed for, for show-off and usage. She planned to buy unlimited bundles to browse, chat and stream live without checking the balance. A handbag was hanging on her left hand. Her mind was on overdrive as she worked out how much of the remaining loot in her possession she would pay to her Women Group the following day. “Monie comes with a lot of activities,” she consoled herself.

With droplets of sweat on her nose from the marathon of what she had gone through in just a duration of three hectic hours, she knocked and entered. Unaware that her hubby was resting in peace, six feet underground at the local cemetery, she imagined he was somewhere in the vicinity of the assembly. The leader of the council did not beat about the bush and shot straight away. “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the monie you and your hussie got from the sale of your prime property?”

Wide-eyed she yapped: “Indeed yes, that is the plunder we managed.” “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied, and proceeded. “Look, the steps of the ushers who buried your husband are visible at the door, and they will carry you out also.” Before uttering a word in defense or acceptance, she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young ushers were summoned, found her dead, carried her out and buried her body beside that of her partner in-crime and loving husband.

And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events. The news spread like bush fire. Gosh! From that moment their children became orphans who needed help. What had been assumed by the departed souls to be a hill had become a mountain. My guess is that those children ended up in an orphanage. Whoever invented monie might have accompanied the discovery with a curse. It torments people to this day.

Lessons learnt:

1. God does not bother with your asset until you willingly transfer it to Him.
2. Take God seriously. Be faithfull.
3. The devil is lurking in your vicinity waiting for an opportunity to distract your focus on God, and create a space for a wedge. Watch out!

by James Mwinga, freelancer in Kenya