We Will Become As One

I just want to share a story with you today, something for you to seriously ponder.
Once upon a time, there was a rich king who had four wives. He loved the fourth 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 third wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms, but feared that one day she would leave him for another. He loved his second wife as 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 first wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her. One day the king fell ill and knew his time in this world was short. He thought about his luxurious lifestyle with his four wives. He feared losing it all in death and being all alone. “I loved you the most,” he said to his fourth wife. “Now that I am dying, will you follow me and keep me company?” “No way!” was her reply, and simply walked away. He asked the same question of his third wife, to which she replied, “No. Life is too good. I think I’ll get remarried after you’re gone.” To the second wife he asked, “I’ve always turned to you for help in difficult times, will you keep me company in death?” “I’m sorry” she said, “ but I can’t help you this time. I can only walk with you to your grave.” “I’ll go with you!” a voice cried out. The king looked to see his first wife, skinny, suffering from malnutrition and neglect. Greatly grieved, the king said, “I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance.”
We all have what could be considered four wives in our life. Our fourth wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish to make it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our third wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it simply goes to someone else. Our second wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us throughout life, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave. Our first wife is our spirit, often neglected in the pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our spirit is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go, even beyond the grave.
[Genesis 1: 26-27] We are made in the likeness of God. God is spirit. We are first, spirit. When we marry, physically, we are taught in God’s Word we become one with the one we marry. (Genesis 2: 24) The Bible also teaches me that my pure spirit will become defiled by the ways of the world, but can be cleansed by the blood of Jesus through baptism and obedience to the Word of God. When I become obedient to the will of God, my name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 21:27) and God adds me to the church. (Acts 2:47) Those who are cleansed are the church. The church is NOT a building! The church is the bride of Christ. There will be a great wedding feast when Christ returns to gather the church and bring it to heaven. The church will become one in spirit with God to live eternally in love. (Rev. 19: 6-9) Cultivate, strengthen and cherish your spirit now, for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the throne of God and continue with you throughout eternity. Jesus is not seeking an unhealthy bride!!