Grace Over Karma
Posted by simplisticthoughts , Friday, June 11, 2010 8:36 PM
Before I share my point of view, let me iterate that it is merely that, my point of view. Take from it what you will, even disagree if you will, but I want to offer an idea from a perspective that I have taken. Karma, essentially in the abbreviated form, is the notion that what goes around comes around, that an individual is bound to reap the consequences of even the smallest action. In theory, I agree with this idea, there is a Biblical undertone to this for the Bible states that, “you will reap what you sow”.
Here is where my interjection comes into play- although, I concur that our actions do have consequences whether good or bad, the idea of karma possesses more of an internal focus. Granted, I am not delving into the intricacies and all the undertones of karma because there are many facets of it that I am not going to cover. The general western public who use this term and adopt this philosophy though view karma more in the loose sense so that is what I am addressing.
Walk through this with me, think about it, under the doctrine of karma you are bound by your actions, which in theory could offer a sort of accountability but the motives behind good doing is more of a selfish reason. Do good so good things will fall upon you; do bad and bad things will fall upon you. You’re left with only two options, so any self-proclaiming karmic follower of course would and should choose to live a life of good deeds in order to live a life of prosperity and good fortune (not necessarily in the monetary sense). The unfortunate thing about this matter is that no one is fully good despite our best of intentions. One mistake, one fault, etc… can easily cancel out a lifetime of good deeds- it’s daunting how quickly life or people can turn on you for the decisions you make. The Bible says that we are all punishable by death for the sins that we have committed and remember that in the eyes of God, there is no degree of sin. If you break the law, you are a lawbreaker, doesn’t matter which law it is. Now, the consequences for said sin may look differently as it would in any justice system, but sin is sin- no matter how great or how small. Since each one of us has in some way committed a less than virtuous deed in our lives, we should all be subjected (under the law of karma) to have bad things come our way. So when misfortune comes your way, you are stuck looking down the line of your life trying to determine the moment in history that provoked such an occurrence, when in actuality sometimes things happen in life that we cannot explain that no one provoked.
Grace is loosely defined as unmerited favor, a manifestation of favor, mercy or a pardon. Grace is the act of pardoning ones sin or actions based merely on love and favor- grace speaks on your behalf even when you’re in the wrong. Have you ever been in a circumstance where you know you’ve screwed up big time? You know it, everyone around you knows it but you didn’t get the punishment you deserved or thought you deserved- that is grace my friend. Don’t confuse grace and justice, God is very serious about justice, He isn’t called a Judge for nothing. We see grace though in the form of Christ, “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ” Romans 5:17. I’ve committed a lot of “stupid” in my life- in some cases I have had to reap the penalty for those actions, but at times, I’ve been able to experience the beauty of grace in Christ, not just in eternal life but in everyday life. I’ve been in car accidents that I should have probably died in. I’ve hurt people who should have never talked to me again. I have behaved in ways that counteract the Christ that I love and took shape in hypocrisy. I could go on and on, but what it boils down to, I am grateful for this grace I have accepted. Everyone has it whether they accept it as grace or not, you may not see it as the person it is, but it’s there. Whether you like it or not, you would not be able to live without it operating in your life, otherwise the burdens of life would consume you.
Now I live my life on the courtesy of grace- not out of obligation or out of the notion I am going to get something out of it or because it's some right of passage but simply because of God’s love and unmerited favor. I serve people out of gratitude because I can walk in the freedom knowing that there is nothing that I can or cannot do that will separate me from the love of God. So there you have it, my view towards the subject, like I previously mentioned take from it what you will. Just remember, karma is a supernatural idea…it is an ideology that the powers of the universe and cosmos are out to get you due to the things you do, good or bad. If you can believe in that supernatural power, then maybe the supernatural is not just an obscene thought. Grace has given me opportunities that I don’t deserve, people I don’t deserve and so much more…and I never saw any of them coming! And it is from that gratitude I have due to grace that helps me from returning to old ways and patterns and provokes me to serve others. All I can say is you’re missing out if you’re not living a life on grace.
“God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. “Romans 5:20
“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved” Romans 11:6
“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
