Once upon a time, "there was a rich King who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with all his riches robes
and treated her to the finest delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
He also loved his 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, so he spent his whole life caring for her and pleased her.
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, the King did
not love the 1st wife. Although she loved him deeply. His 1st wife loved
him so much and so deep but the King hardly ever noticed 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 4 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 am dying,
will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!” replied the 4th wife and she walked away from him without
uttered another word. Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad King then asked his 3rd wife, “I have loved you all my life now that
I’m dying will you follow me and keep me company?
“No!” no way! I can't! she replied “Life is too good! When you die, I am
going to remarry!”. The King heart sank and turned cold, He was totally
depressed.
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 live 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 better care of you when I had the chance!”
In truth, we all have four wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort was 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 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 up wherever we go whether Heaven or Hell. So 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.