The King and his 4 Wives

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There once was a king who had four wives.
He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with beautiful gifts, jewelry and expensive clothes. He gave her nothing but the best.

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and enjoyed showing her off to neighboring kingdoms.
However, he was afraid that one day she would leave him for another king.

He also loved his 2nd wife.
She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the king had a problem, he would confide in her and she would help him get through difficult times.

The 1st wife was a very loyal partner and did everything in her power to maintain his wealth and kingdom.
However, he did not love the 1st wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her.

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his end was near.
He thought about his luxurious life and wondered:

- Now I have 4 wives with me, but when I die, how many will go with me?

So he asked the 4th wife:
- I have loved you the most, my dear. I have endowed you with the finest clothing and jewelry. I have taken good care of you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?

- No way! - replied the 4th wife, as she left the room without looking back.

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right through 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 get remarried.

His heart sank and turned cold from hearing such painful words.
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, but I can’t help you out this time - replied the 2nd wife. The most I can do is bury you!

Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning and once again, the king was devastated.

Then a voice called out:
- I’ll go with you. I will follow you wherever you go...
The king looked up and there was his 1st wife. She was very thin, malnourished, and suffering from 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 these 4 wives in our lives...

Our 4th wife is our body.
No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it healthy and beautiful, 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 our side is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul.
It is often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures to fulfill our Ego.
However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go, no matter where it is...

Therefore,
Cultivate...
Strengthen...
Bless...
Cherish your soul!

It is the greatest gift we can give those around us and ourselves.
Let it shine through the forgiveness that God gives us in the Lord Jesus!
May your relationship with your soul be righteous during the 21 day Fast.