SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 10-16
“The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.” (Proverbs 10:16)
This verse makes it sound as if we earn our eternal reward.
It sounds like ‘karma’, the Hindu/Buddhist teaching that your deeds determine your destination.
My sense is that these religions are sensing the very structure of creation, as designed by the Creator.
The wisdom of Proverbs is affirming that life in God’s world follows basic rules/laws (wisdom).
One thing ‘karma’ does not recognize is grace; God’s mercy is for all, good and bad, if they repent.
Those who rely on karma need to tip the scales in their favour, by doing more good than bad.
But there is hope for the foolish and bad person, if they admit their sin, and come to God for forgiveness and help.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
There is a sense where ‘karma’ is true, but God’s grace trumps ‘karma’.
Forgiveness and hope and life are available to all, if they turn to God for mercy.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, thank You that I do not need to fear karma because I can cling to You for grace. Because of Your mercy, and with Your help, I want to start living a better life, according to the wisdom of these proverbs.