It's just karma, isn't it?

It’s just karma, isn’t it?

A man recently was comparing his life to mine.  He bemoaned his circumstances and pointed out my blessings. With more than a little envy, he side-stepped his responsibility for his situation: “It’s just karma, isn’t it?”  In fact, I knew him well enough to know that he had made some very short-sighted choices that were now costing him dearly. Even I recognized that, I also knew that he had not enjoyed some of the rich blessings of heritage that I have.  But, I don’t accept that destiny is fixed. God gives each one of a great privilege called – choice.

Do you believe in fate? Perhaps you call it luck, or karma, or destiny. Some Christians bring those words to their understanding of the will of God, confusing His power over all persons and things with a fate pre-determined by Him that is unchanging. I am not a fatalist, I don’t believe in luck, and I know that God works with me to create my destiny! There is a dense mix of threads of choice that come together to create the fabric we call ‘life.’

There is no way that Jerry Scott could ever claim to be the sole creator of his destiny. I am who am I today because of choices made by generations of people and because of the work of God. Yet, I cannot avoid my responsibility. There are pivotal moments of choice that set in motion a series of events that create yet more opportunities.  Two statements in the Bible form my understanding of such things. One tells me to "make the most of every opportunity." (Colossians 4:5, NIV)  The other reminds that "by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." (1 Corinthians 15:10, NIV)

We will not live the best life possible without humble recognition of the gifts of grace God provides to us through the choices of others, through the divinely orchestrated circumstances that are simply beyond our ability to grasp given the limits of our humanity. Equally true is that fact that we will rob ourselves of myriad blessings if we throw ourselves adrift in life, failing to meet the challenges, to work at tending the garden for which He has given us stewardship.

Disciple, do not be passive towards life, just letting it happen to you! Take this day as His gift to you and choose to serve Him. Then, don’t be anxious about those things over which you have no control, for those are in the hands of God. The Word clearly calls us to responsibility and trust, to acceptance and effort. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15, NIV)  I have the choice to allow Christ to be the umpire who makes the call in my life, and you do, too.  Choose wisely.

Here’s a word from the Word. "Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith." (Galatians 6:7-10, NLT)

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Father, keep me from living in pride

When I enjoy success,

And protect me from despair

When my way is dark.

Help me to trust You with each day, the same.

I pray for wisdom to see the opportunities
that lie before me,

For courage to seize them,
and grace to walk in Your purposes.

Help me to let go of regret,
to give and accept forgiveness,

And to encourage others, receiving grace for this moment.

May my greatest desire always be to honor Christ,

In each choice I make.

Holy Spirit, be my guide.

In the Name of Jesus. Amen.