The Four Wives

Once upon a time, there was a king who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adored 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 neighboring 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 raced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The king's 1st wife was a loyal parter and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love her. 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 loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked out on him. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad king then asked the 3rd wife, " I loved you all my life. Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"Hell 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 most, I can only walk with you to your grave."

Her answer struk him like a bolt of lightning, and he 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 1st wife. She was very skinny as she had 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 goes unto 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 the grave.

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 where we go.

Cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now, for it is the only part that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout eternity.