Once upon a time there was a girl who
had four boyfriends.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most
and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest of
delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very
much and was always showing him off to neighboring kingdoms.
However, she feared that one day he would leave her for another.
She also loved the second boyfriend.
He was her confidant and was always kind, considerate, and patient
with her. Whenever the girl faced a problem, she could confide in
him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very
loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining her
wealth and kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend,
although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew
her time was short. She thought of her luxurious life and wondered,
'I now have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be
alone?'
Thus she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I
loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showed
great care over you. Now that I am dying, will you follow me and
keep me company? 'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he
walked away without another word. His answer cut like a sharp knife
right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third
boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life. Now that I am dying, will you
follow me and keep me company?' 'No!', replied the third boyfriend.
'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry someone else!'
Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the second boyfriend, '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 this time!',
replied the second boyfriend. 'At the very most, I can only walk
with you to your grave.' His answer struck her like a bolt of
lightning , and the girl was devastated.
Then a voice called out, 'I'll go with
you. I'll follow you no matter where you go.' The girl looked up,
and there was her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered
malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should
have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in
your lives:
The fourth boyfriend is your body. No
matter how much time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it
will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your
possessions, status, and wealth. When you die, it will all go to
others.
Your second boyfriend is your family
and friends. No matter how much they have been there for you, the
furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
And your first boyfriend is your
spirit. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power, and pleasures
of the world. However, your spirit is the only thing that will
follow you where ever 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.
(Story shared by Elder Heineken)
How is your spirit today?
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