I received the following mail from a friend about the necessity of taking care of our souls, which most people tend to ignore in the pursuit of fame, fortune, and pleasure or even in the course of pursuing their lives’ ministries, and I thought it would be good to share it with you.
Four wives
“Once upon a time, there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth 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 third 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 second 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 first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions to maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love his 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 have four wives, but when I die, I’ll be all alone.”
Thus, he asked the fourth 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 fourth 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 third 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 second 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 second 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!”
A great truth
We all have the four wives in our lives:
Our fourth 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 third wife is our possessions, status, and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our second wife is 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. Our first wife is our Soul, which is often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures of the world.
Your Soul is the only thing that will follow you wherever you go. Cultivate, strengthen, and cherish it now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout eternity.
Until next week, when we meet same time, same place, please stay INSPIRED in His presence!
