The following is from a blog on the Proclamation, Invitation & Warning website. See what you think.
"What goes around, comes around" ???
Why do people say that? Do they know what that phrase is referring to?
Karma.
"Karma" is a concept from eastern mysticism: Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.
In these forms of pagan mysticism it is taught that "karma" is an impersonal force that controls the universe. A person develops "good karma" or "bad karma" through their actions. When a person performs "good" deeds it builds up good karma and that goodness will be returned to them by future good that comes into their lives. And if they do bad... bad things will happen to them.
Karma is an impersonal force, meaning that it is not a person. It's like "the Force" of the movie "Star Wars". What paganism is saying is that the universe is controlled, not by a personal God, but by a "Force"... a "life force". A karmic life force that is in everything and through everything and is in you and me, so that "god" is everywhere in everything and in you and me... so that you and I have the divinity within us... god is within us... so, in a sense we are god. Does this sound like the serpent in the Garden of Eden? It should because it comes from the same source as the occult "wisdom" of the serpent in Genesis 3:5:
"For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
Those who believe in Karma also usually believe in reincarnation. They believe that you get a better deal in the "next life" by storing up good karma. Or, through various mystical techniques, one can escape the cycles of reincarnation altogether. Of course, reincarnation is yet another tragic deception, because the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27:
"And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"
Some people may try to justify karma from the Bible by saying "A person reaps what he sows." However those words are found in Galatians 6:7-8:
"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 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."
These verses do not justify karma or the phrase, "what goes around, comes around". These verses are not about an impersonal force. This section of scripture is about a God of holiness who is a righteous judge. It's not about a god who mindlessly gives an effect for a certain cause. In the context of the whole Bible, this is about God who is in control, who is sovereign who can do whatever he wants... and he wants to be just and holy and righteous.
And what we ought to be eternally grateful for, is that God is both all powerful AND he loves us! Which is why Romans 8:28 can be true:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
I recommend rejecting the phrase, "what goes around, comes around"... reject karma... and trust in the God of Romans 8:28!
And the next time you hear someone say, "What goes around comes around!", at least pray the Lord would open their eyes. But consider saying something like, "Don't trust in Karma. Put your trust in the Sovereign God who created you and loves you! Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What do you think? I like it. I don't mean that I'm going to jump people's case if they say it but it's eye opening. I've never been one to use the term very often. I've always expected God to take care of certain things for me. But if you've read any of my previous blogs, you'll see that I can't seen to understand why it's not happening. Why are people getting away with doing evil to me? Why are people believing their slanderous lies? I've gotten to the point where I was ready to take matters into my own hands, because of my frustration. But the Bible says not to tire of doing good.
Galatians 6:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
This morning the sermon was on Forgiveness. I always considered myself a very forgiving person but I've come to realize I wasn't living in the full freedom of believing in Him & being patient. The anger & bitterness that I'm harboring is not honoring to God and it's certainly not doing me any good as well.
I do believe that God cannot forgive me if I cannot forgive others. I have forgiven them but I haven't really let it go. He can't use me the way He wants to until I do.
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19 NIV)
Jesus said, "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." (Luke 6:27-28 NIV) In the following verses Jesus gives several specific examples of how to treat those who have hurt you, and He concludes with, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (vs. 36 NIV) Talk about an impossible standard!
Pray for me because it's not an easy thing for me. But I plan on moving forward & living victoriously through this.
Please send me your comments. I'd love to hear what you think.
God Bless!
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