Home Owners Insurance?

2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (ESV)

     I think first thing to note in this section is that the author Paul, was a tentmaker. Acts 18:3, “and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.” If anyone knew a thing or two about tents, it was the apostle Paul. I love how he uses such a personal illustration to explain our heavenly dwelling. Every time I take a closer look at the life of Paul there is a reoccurring theme. This is his eternal perspective, he’s always reminding me that our toil here on this earth is not for our personal gain. That truly what we do on earth is for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God. For our hope of an eternity spent with the Father.  Paul puts things in a perspective that calls for the earthly value of possessions to diminish.
    I think about Paul, and his profession as a tentmaker. I know God has fashioned this into his life that it might become a key role in his ministry. Being a tentmaker he could easily travel and continue his work no matter where he went. This was a trade that he could travel with and still be effective in producing work. Not only that but what an opportunity to witness. We know his view on a tent from this section of scripture right here. That it was simply a shelter built by man, to last for a season. If anyone knew the vanity of a tent for a home it was Paul. Who must have built several tents to live in for a short time, and then left them behind or possibly brought them along to be reused at another location. Paul knew that man could not build an eternal home to dwell in. As a master builder, he knew it was not possible. And with an eternal perspective, and a pertinent relationship with Jesus Christ, he knew the Father was the only one who could set up an eternal dwelling place.
    It gives me chills to think about the ministry that took place as Paul built tents for people to dwell in. I wonder if he sold them homeowners insurance. I bet if there was such a thing back then, he would have said along with this tent comes an eternal dwelling. At this point, I’m sure he would have been laughed at. But what an opportunity, to bring life into perspective. Because now is where he explains, if you accept the home owners insurance (the Gospel), that I am about to give you, oh and by the I forgot to mention its free, then you will have a place to dwell for an eternity. What a perfect time to introduce someone to the idea of eternal life spent with God the Father. “A house not made with hands,” but “eternal in the heavens.” As a person seeking home insurance, they are also seeking some sense of security. A peace about the purchase, knowing that whatever comes there way, be it natural disaster, or you name it, they are guaranteed this home. This comes with an agreement to the policy.
    It’s a direct illustration to the Gospel. You see we must agree to the good news presented to us. That we are sinners, in need of a savior, doomed for death. That Jesus Christ is God, has come to die for our sins and whosoever believes in Him shall have eternal life. If we accept this, what I like to call life insurance policy, it comes with free home owners insurance as well. When we agree to this policy, we have just purchased our dwelling place for eternity, in the presence and glory of God the Father. Upon acceptance we begin to sense security and peace about our decision. The spirit imparts to us assurance, a copy of the agreement, that what was stated is final, it will not change regardless of circumstances. Gods word is kind of like the agreement copy, what is written has been and always will be. Never changing, an everlasting covenant to its reader and purchaser. That might be called upon in time of trouble and put things back into perspective. The peace from an eternal security is then remembered, that we have no reason to fear. For we have purchased a safeguard, to deliver us in the time of need.

Application:
I am convicted of doing the Lords work yet I am not presenting salvation or witnessing to those I come in contact with. I will take time today to be more aware of my surroundings, or as Paul says in Colossians, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”