Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:12 (HCSB)
Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.
Today’s Question: Do you believe you get what you deserve in life?
Today’s Commentary:
The concept of “karma” is embraced by many in the American culture. “What goes around, comes around” is a popular statement. People do good deeds with the expectation of good in return. Jesus, however, gives the reverse of “karma” in the Sermon on the Mount. He commands a proactive, rather than a reactive position.
For example, we like the position of “I’ll scratch your back, if you scratch mine.” It is natural for us to live in conditional relationships. But Jesus extends a higher calling for His followers. “Treat others as you would want them to treat you.”
Notice that Jesus did not say that we should treat others as they are treating us. His view was that Christians should help those who have no means to repay a good deed. He also says that we should love those who hate and abuse us. Jesus’ “law of love” destroys the concept of “karma,” an ancient idea originating from the Buddhist religion.
“Karma” says that you get what you deserve. I praise God that I do not get what I deserve. For the punishment of sin, I deserve to spend eternity in hell. On this earth, I have done nothing to deserve the abundant life I enjoy. As a child of God, I am blessed with the riches of the King, the complete forgiveness of my sins, and an unconditional promise of everlasting life in Heaven.
In this verse, Jesus offers a summary statement of all that He has previously taught. He has addressed our relationship with God and with other people. There is a cause and effect scenario here. If we love God, we will love others. If we love others, we will want to do unto them as we would want them to do to us.
This law, often labeled “the Golden Rule,” is the solution to all conflicts with others. We can hardly imagine a world where the law of Jesus rules (rather than the idea of “karma”). If all people followed this simple rule, crime would cease, divorce would be non-existent, wars and violence would end.
In our sin-filled, selfish world, Christians are called to be light in the darkness. Our Lord has called us to be the first to love others and show them respect. This means that we are not quick to judge or even to speak a critical word. Grace and mercy abound, for this is how we would want others to treat us. Since this attitude is so different, others will want to know why we act this way, opening a door for the Gospel. Therefore, it is no surprise that our Lord continues His teaching with a presentation of this message of hope. How great is the salvation of the Lord!
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #50: The way that disciples of Christ treat others will determine their opportunities to share the Gospel with other people.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray that God would give us a gracious heart and a tongue that is quick to edify and slow to criticize others.
Shepherding Well 