Once upon a time, at a place called Jambul-lipa, on the Asia continent, there was a rich and powerful Emperor who had 4 wives. He loves the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich, luxurious robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her only the best of the BEST!
He also loved the 3rd wife very much and always showing her off to neighbouring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.
The Emperor also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidante and was always kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever she had a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
The Emperor’s 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love his 1st wife.
Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
One day, the Emperor fell ill and 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 alone.”
Thus, he asked his 4th wife, “I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered you with great care. Now that I’m dying will you follow me and keep me company?”
“No way!” replied his 4th wife, and she walk away without another word.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.
The sad Emperor 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!” 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 his 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 his 2nd wife. “At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.”
Their answers struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the Emperor was devastated.
Then a voice called out: “I’ll go with you, and I’ll follow you no matter where you go.”
The Emperor looked up, and there was his 1st wife.
She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the Emperor said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!”
The truth is, we all have four wives in our lives:
Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish on it to make it look good, it will leave us when we die.
Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will 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 with 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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