Four Wives
Remember
how Jesus and many others in the Bible use every day events to draw an analogy
about God and His relationship with humans? Well this is a story we wish you to
read-
Once upon a
time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most
and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He
gave her nothing but the best. He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was
always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day
she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his
confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King
faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through
the difficult times. The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made
great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not
love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of
her! One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of
his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die,
I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you
the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?" No
way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word. Her
answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the
3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you
follow me and keep me company?" No!", replied the 3rd wife.
"Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart
sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to
you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow
me and keep me company?" "I'm sorry, I can't help you out this
time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with
you to your grave." Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and
the King was devastated.
Then a
voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you
go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny
as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly
grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when
I had the chance!" In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th
wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in
making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our
possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd
wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us,
the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. And our 1st wife is our
Soul - often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.
Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that
will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're
in the perfect position to pray.
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