Once upon a time there was this girl
who had four boyfriends.
She loved the 4th 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 3rd 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 her 2nd boyfriend.
He was her confidant and was
always kind, considerate and patient
with her. Whenever this girl faced a
problem, she could confide in him,
and he would help her get through
the difficult times.
The girl's 1st 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, I'll be all alone. '
Thus, she asked the 4th boyfriend, 'I
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 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 3rd
boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow
me and keep me company?'
'No!', replied the 3rd 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 2nd 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 you out this
time!', replied the 2nd 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 from
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 4 boyfriends in
your lives:
Your 4th 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 3rd boyfriend is your
possessions, status and wealth.
When you die, it will all go to
others.
Your 2nd 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 1st boyfriend is your Soul.
Often neglected in pursuit of wealth,
power and pleasures of the world.
However, your Soul 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.
Thought for the day: Remember,
when the world pushes you to your
knees, you're in the perfect position
to pray.

Thank you for the sermon.