When we hear the word Karma, most of us immediately associate it with the eastern philosophies or religions of Buddhism & Hinduism. However, verse 42:30 of the Qur’an can be interpreted as a description of Karma; and the Bible, both Old & New Testaments, continuously affirms the existence of this law as well. For, the Bible clearly & repeatedly says that “evils doers shall be punished, and the good or righteous shall be rewarded.”

Also, if we accept that a Law of Cause & Effect exists in the Universe; if we agree with science that “for every action there is a reaction”; if we live by the principle that “as a man sows, so shall he reap” (Galatians 6:7); or use the expression “what goes around comes around”; then, we are expressing our belief in Karma; because all of these statements are just different ways of conveying the law in action.

The problem is that many of us recognize these laws as existing in Nature or the Universe; but we have a hard time extending this law to ourselves. But, as humans are we not part of Nature? Therefore, how can we remain unaffected by this law?

Another problem is that we believe the law just in very general terms. For, we say if we live a good life we will go to heaven, but if we lead a bad life we shall go to hell. But, the results of good & bad deeds are not only experienced after death. We need to realize it is more specific than that. We reap very specific consequences for actions and choices we are making now. And if we sow evil, we will reap evil in the form of suffering, misery, and negative consequences. If we sow goodness and love, then we shall bring more of these things back into your own life. There is no escaping this.

Therefore, we must be aware of the words we speak, thoughts we think, and actions we take; for all these things are the actions that cause reactions. Every deed, every thought, and every word are the things we sow; they are  producing of the fruits which we must reap; and they are causes of the consequences that we must face. In essence, through these things we are the co-creators, with God, of our lives. Therefore, we must be very careful of what it is we are creating.

Now, I’m sure that most of us rarely think of our own actions as bad. Most of the time, whatever we do probably seems well-intentioned. But, if our choices or actions in anyway create tension or disharmony for others, then those waves of disharmony will inevitably return back to us. Therefore, our suffering & misery is not a sign of God’s anger with us; but rather it’s simply our ignorance of this Law of Karma. So, the more attention we pay to our words, thoughts, and actions, the more control we have over how much suffering enters our lives.

Therefore, do not look at Karma as a great punisher. Look at it from the more positive perspective as a tool for our education. For, it has been put in place to teach us how to make better choices; say better things; and think better thoughts. It is a tool which is trying to get us off the wrong path, and nudging us back on a path towards God. In truth, it is trying to help us find our way home. So, use it to your advantage.

God bless you on your own spiritual journey & remember to always – Heed the Spirit,

Anthony