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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 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
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 send you to your grave."
Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow
you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his
first wife. She was so 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 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.
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