First, let’s see what Galatians 6:7-8 says.  “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  The concept of reaping what you sow is a practical truth.  If we plant corn, we rightfully expect to reap corn.  If we plant beans, we rightfully expect to reap beans. 

This is also true in the spiritual sense.  “God is not mocked.”  Here in Galatians 6:7, the word translated ‘mocked’ is the only time this word is used in the Bible.  It literally means to mock, ridicule, or insult.  The Lord knows what our real character, what our real intent is, and he will judge us accordingly. The sense is that God cannot be imposed on or could not be insulted with impunity.  Beyond our actions, the Lord knows our motives.  He knows WHY we do WHAT we do.  So, He will respond accordingly…what we have sown, we will reap in like kind. 

One practical lesson on this matter is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 which says, “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”  The topic here is our giving to the Lord.  This IS NOT a lesson on tithing, but on the condition of the heart that would rejoice in giving to the Lord or begrudge the ‘necessity’ of giving to the Lord.  One should give to the Lord “according as he purposeth in his heart.”  The Lord is certainly not concerned with the amount we give to Him.  In reality, the Lord has no need of our money.  However, it is a great privilege the Lord has given us that we might give to Him to support His assembly and His ministries.  When we withhold our gifts to the Lord, that betrays a selfish heart…one that cares not for the Lord, but for his own desires.  In this, one will reap what he sows.  If we are stingy in our giving to the Lord, the rewards will be few.  If we give with a cheerful heart, the rewards will be plentiful.  This is not to say one can ‘buy’ the favors of God, but He that looks on the heart will compensate accordingly. 

What is karma?  First of all, it is rooted in ancient heresy.  Karma is defined as (in Hinduism and Buddhism) the sum of a person’s actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences.  It is an ancient Indian concept that refers to an action, work, or deed, and its effect or consequences.  Cause and effect!  According to Wikipedia, “The concept of karma is closely associated with the idea of rebirth in many schools of Indian religions (particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism), as well as Taoism. In these schools, karma in the present affects one’s future in the current life as well as the nature and quality of future lives—one’s saṃsāra.  Many New Agers believe in karma, treating it as a law of cause and effect that assures cosmic balance, although in some cases they stress that it is not a system that enforces punishment for past actions.” 

Perhaps many use the term ‘karma’ when they witness someone get their ‘just desserts’ after doing something wrong.  It’s good to know what the teachings of karma really are and realize it is a product of unbelievers and those who believe in false religions.  In their thoughts, there is no accountability to God because God is not causing events in one’s life.  In the true teaching of what one sows, he will reap shows us that God is in control and He will allow or cause consequences on one’s life based on their actions towards Him. 

Let me caution everyone with what we just read in Galatians 6:7, “Be not deceived.”  God has His eyes upon all of His creation.  For the believers, we reap the blessings of the Lord as we follow and obey His Word.  For the unbelievers, they will reap eternal punishment for rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior.  John 3:18 tells us, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  We are assured in Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”  (CC)  (711.6)