Reply #9: The way you describe it, it may or may not be good karma.

[cassiepriam]

Karmic theory says that what we sow, we will reap.
So of course what we do in this life affects our other lives.
(Actually future lives is out, we are supposed to call it other lives
they say since it is all happening at the same time, past, present, future.)

But we have to be careful about it. For example if we chose to be martyrs and victims and are miserable and angry about it, then that will be very bad
karma and come back to haunt us in a next life. Especially if our karmic
goals are to no longer allow ourselves to be victims.

You have to look at your natal chart and nn to make sure what you are
here to work on in this life. A so called sacrifice could just be same old
same old stuff that gets a person into trouble in each life.

Also intent is important and if a person is taking on the trappings on a
holy person, but the intent and goodness is not really there, then that is
not good karma.

And if a person was meant to use wealth to do good, to make a difference in this world, or to understand the purpose of money or money issues, then a vow of poverty is not good. Or if the vow of poverty is a way to avoid the real world then that is not good either. For example I have done the poverty priest role in many past lives. In this one I am supposed to earn a living, be normal and mingle in the population doing service. Not hide in a monastery. Which is of course what I would most love to do this life.

Actually I do not think choosing to be miserable is a way to get good karma, but that is my .02 about it.

I believe God wants us to be healthy, happy, have abundance, but be wise and sensible about all of it. And to not get a big ego. And of course to be of service. But not be a miserable martyr.