In yoga, I hear people talk a lot about karma. At first I was appalled by the concept. It was a very selfish way of looking at good deeds. Yet I found some to say it was a very Christian concept: You reap what you sow. Still grace is the most Christ-like perspective I can perceive on the subject of good deeds. And grace seems very contrary to karma.
So, what is it? You reap what you sow or you sow without expecting anything in return, knowing the recipient doesn’t deserve what they get and will not probably appreciate or thank you for it.
Maybe the answer is in the nature of the giver.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” The nature of the giver is not to get in return. Life is short and it sucks. Most of the time, good things don’t come back to you. Yet we still give to the underserved, relentlessly, because we are undeserved as well. We know first hand what it is like to receive something extraordinary from God, something beyond words-salvation. In return we offer pieces of that joy to others so that God can be seen more clearly.
This spoke so much truth to me. Recently, I have been meditating on the concept of instead of focusing on myself trying to be a “good Christian” and getting to heaven in the future…maybe try to bring a little piece of heaven to those going through their own personal hell. In what ways has God shown his love to me that I can share with others? Grace, forgiveness, love, joy, etc…?
I also believe in karma and energy to a certain extent. If you put love (unselfishly) out into the world with your thoughts and actions, instead of negativity and malice, it will affect those around you and how you feel and carry yourself, as well. People will see your light that comes from the Lord and He will be glorified. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this!
That’s true, Rebekah. Positive energy: love, joy are contagious. Most of the time when you are kind to others you will receive kindness back. The key is “unselfishly”. I fight with myself everyday, wanting to do what is in my best interest over some one elses. It is exhausting to give give. But it is a beautiful rhythm once you’ve made it a way of life.