Some Christians get this superstitious feeling that if we don’t do things just right we’ll somehow be punished or things will go bad for us. Or if things don’t go well we think “oh, what did we do wrong that God is mad at us.” In the case of reaping what we sow it may be true, but to create a Christian karma like superstition about it is just plain wrong.

I live in a place where many people work to improve their “karma”. They do rituals to earn favor from different deities. Marching circles around temples and stupas and idols so that some business deal will go well might sound crazy, but I really think it subtly exists in church too. There is a little biblical foundation for it, reaping, sowing, but … it is not karma. That is about consequences. Everyone, Christian or not, will experience consequences. Everyone, whether Christian or not will experience the grace of God. Being a Christian does not corner the market on good things. God gives the rain and food and all kinds of good things to all kinds of people. Not just Christians.

What kind of world would it be if only Christians had good things? What if only non-Christians or evil people suffered? It would be a mess. It would be contrary to the order that God has established.

I was sharing with someone how God has blessed me, and they countered with Shiva has also blessed them. This good karma marketing really doesn’t hold water. God gives everything that is good. Even if someone thinks it was Shiva, an idol in their back yard, or their financial savvy. Our job is only to point out the good and confirm that God is the source. Whether it is in our lives or someone else’s. Even when they aren’t Christians.

Matthew 5:43
43″You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Acts 14:16
16In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”