Worse
than karma...
Most
Western people don't understand the concept of karma. Many eastern religions
believe a person will be reincarnated, and, whether they have lived
"good" or "bad" will determine what caste they are in in
the next life, or will determine the level of happiness or struggle they will
face. Karma is about the next life, not this life.
Christians
believe a person will "reap" what they sow (see Galatians 6:7). In
other words, there are natural consequences and side effects of the choices we
make in life. Frankly, we have to face up to the consequences of our actions.
Right
thinking Christians understand such reaping is often true in this life and most
definitely true at The Judgment. Famous evangelist R.G. Lee preached a sermon
many times entitled "Pay-Day Someday." It's said Lee preached the
sermon over 1,000 times! (you can find it on YouTube)
I
have a couple points...
1.
Should we wish that false idea of karma on anyone? Should we really wish people
reap what they sow? Should we want people to face God with hell as their
eternity? Should we wish bad on folks?
I
can only speak for myself. I want evil and wickedness to stop, but I want
people to be saved. I cling to something Jesus said in Matthew 9:13: "Go
and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not
to call the righteous, but sinners." (ESV)
2.
I was reading Obadiah tonight. That short book is only one chapter and has only
21 verses. Obadiah 1:15 says, "For the day of the LORD is near upon all
the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return
on your own head." (ESV) This was a stark reminder that pay-day is coming
someday.
The
Bible says we will all and each one face judgment. The writer of Hebrews said, "And as it is appointed
unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (9:27 KJV) There will
be no do overs ... no reincarnation. We will face Him and enter into rest
forever or never enter into rest.
Two
motivations ought to drive us... the love of God should make us love God and
act like people who know they'll have to face Him. The love of God should make
us love God and pray for others, because, like us, each and every person will
have to face Him too.
Peace
to all who read these words.
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