Christian “Karma”

Another day in Galatians 6. Today I want to focus on a set of verses that many people have heard, even if they are not familiar with the Bible. Let’s read it: 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Ok, I admit that my use of the word “karma” was intended as “click bait”. But since I believe that human understanding and revelation began with the truth that God revealed, I believe that over time changes and errors that creep in, and often lead to false religious teaching, have origins in God’s revealed truth. The same is true with karma. Here is a definition of karma: “The law of karma teaches us that all of our thoughts, words and actions begin a chain of cause and effect, and that we will personally experience the effects of everything we cause. We may not experience the effect (the returning karma) right away, and it may not even be in this lifetime, but you can count on it just the same. It is a cosmic law, which means that it applies to everyone, everywhere, all the time.”

Though the idea of karma can be used incorrectly, what Paul is teaching in Galatians 6 is a sort of “Christian karma”. What you sow, you will reap. Paul is teaching us that the Spirit of God is involved in “retuning” to us that which we sow. If we sow kindness we will reap kindness. If we sow love we will reap love. If we sow anger, we will reap anger. We cannot always expect to experience this “reaping” in the way we expect it or even in the timing we prefer, but the principle is clear. We are not to grow weary while doing good and waiting for the return…just do good. So, what are you sowing today?