By Woody Preston
I’ve heard this word “Karma” thrown around a lot since the recent election, especially by conservative pundits on TV declaring that the destructive policies of the last four years are being overturned. Karma is a Hindu word that refers to a principle of cause and effect; our fate or destiny resulting from previous actions. But Christians who believe the Bible know of a force much greater than karma!
Scripture verses like Romans 3:10, 3:23 and 5:12 ominously highlight the predicament of mankind enslaved to sin and its consequences, until we find the amazing remedy in Romans 6:23 that declares our destiny can be reversed!
R.G. Lee, the longtime pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN (1927-1960), preached one of the great sermons on “karma”. It’s called “Pay Day Some Day” and was preached more than 1200 times in America and overseas, telling the story of King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel (I Kings 21). This famous sermon can be heard on YouTube if you’re interested in karma exemplified by the horrific death of Jezebel, who was eaten by dogs!
Each Christmas season tells a different story of hope and joy, celebrating the God-given opportunity of changing karma in the lives of sinners. Many will be in our church this Christmas, some only because, well, it’s Christmas! Like I once attended church only at Easter and Christmas. Fortunately for me I eventually discovered another verse, in Romans 10:9.
My prayer for tomorrow is that the many visitors who attend our church will respond to the wonderful news that they too can change their karma, beginning with the joyful declaration of every Christmas season: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).
May the Christ of Christmas be celebrated and loved in our hearts, and theirs, not only in December but throughout each year. Merry Christmas to all!