Tents vs. Houses

1For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1)

Thoughts: Paul is comparing our earthly bodies to a tent.  A tent is temporary and will not last.  It is important to know that Paul was a tent maker (Acts 18:3) .  He made friends in Corinth with Aquilla and Priscilla who were also tentmakers.   Tradition says that Paul's parents made tents for Roman leaders in Tarsus.  Tarsus was the home of some of the best tents in the world.  It was well known for a special rough black goats hair named cilicium that was used for both tents and sails (Cilicia was the region where Tarsus was located).   Even the best tents in the world, though, did not last.  Tents are no substitutes for real buildings.
    Paul is saying our bodies here are but tents compared to the eternal bodies we receive in heaven.  If you could choose a tent or an everlasting house- which would you choose?  Let us choose what will last- and invest ourselves, our treasure, and our effort in that.  Our bodies will not last, but our souls and being with God lasts forever. 

Prayer: Lord, give me a vision for what will last.  Let me long always- for your eternal home instead of the tents of the wicked.   

Paul as tentmaker