At the beginning of his letter Paul talked seriously to the people of Corinth about their way of life and how they should be living. The following chapters look at deeper theological truths. In a way Paul explains the road the children of God have to travel. We must incorporate these truths into our whole existence, because our theological beliefs may come under attack round the next corner.

Why are you here on earth? This question has many answers, e.g. to make an impact, to live on earth, to cultivate and protect it, and many more. But one of the major reasons is that we have to make a choice for or against God. He gives each of us a mind and freedom of choice to make that choice. God made it so much easier for us to choose Him by Jesus taking on our punishment on the cross. If you really understand what Jesus has done on the cross, you have no choice but to run to God and into His arms. I simply cannot understand why so many people still choose against God. How stupid can you be?

Don’t try and understand that life on earth is just a miniscule part of eternity? The years that we now live are but a spot in the bigger picture. But people live as if this is all there is. We collect stuff – long to own that low-slung, red sports car, want that new kitchen, as if that is the final biggest prize that we can ever receive. Because we don’t have the right vision for the future, because we don’t understand what it’s all about, we throw a tantrum when we reach an obstacle. Why do I have to struggle so? Why a curve ball again? I’ve just gone through a crisis. Why another one? Where is God? Why doesn’t He hear me?

These are the questions of someone facing the wrong way. This person doesn’t really understand that the now is not the key, but that the future is. Here where we are now is only temporary. There comes a time when the book will be closed. There comes a time when we will have to leave this life to enter the next one: 1For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we’ll never have to relocate our “tents” again. 2Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. 3Compared to what’s coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we’re tired of it!

Thank you! Thank you that it doesn’t end here on earth. No, a brand new life comes when we receive our permanent home. Then we’ll have joy and real peace that cannot be stolen by illness, or hurt, of hardship, or murder or hijackings.

We have to live life keeping this picture in our heads. No, nobody can guarantee you a smooth road. When you live in a tent the wind and rain will always try and shift the boundaries and sometimes your tent will tear or blow away. But when we realize something better is waiting in the future, we get new strength to get up, find our tent, repair it, and live with a vision of the future.

Let’s get that picture in our minds. Let’s strive for it. Let’s allow that picture to help us through the hard times and know: Tomorrow will be a better day. God waits for us on His throne where we’ll be clothed in heavenly clothes, so that when we meet Him one day it will be a heavenly experience.

Click here to go to the Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-5

Reflection

Do you believe that we live in tents only?

Do you believe in heaven?

Do you believe that you will also get there after this life in a tent on earth?

Prayer

Lord, sometimes it’s not so easy for me to take my eyes off this life on earth, because it’s all I know. Actually, I get a little afraid when I think about this life coming to an end. I believe with my whole heart that I will be with You one day. Please help to expect and look forward to Your coming with future vision. Amen