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.
So cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us
who will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout
Eternity.
When the world pushes you to your knees...... You're in the perfect
position to pray.
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Know Jesus - Know Peace <>< <><
<>< No Jesus - No Peace