Recently a sales person in town made a comment about a local merchant concerning their business ethics. In describing the attitude of the one being discussed this verse was quoted; For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
Apparently this individual was well known in town as a slum landlord who took advantage of the down trodden with the single purpose of making money. He gave back nothing to the community and because he owned so much of the local property and business ventures, the towns folk (many of whom did not have a vehicle) had few if any options but to purchase what they needed from him. Tragically, this person apparently does not see himself as Jesus sees him. He is not aware of the sad and terrible fate awaiting him if he does not awaken to the truth and change his course of living.
Last week a sister in Christ shared with me a short story entitled The Four Boyfriends that brought about a wonderful way to remember the teaching of our Savior about the importance of understanding God’s priorities for our life which this greedy merchant brought to mind.
The Four Boyfriends, Author Unknown
“Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends. She loved the 4th boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes and treated him to the finest 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 the 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 friend 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 love 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 find someone else!’ Her heart sank and turned cold.
Then she 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 1st 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 life also:
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. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
Your 3rd boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth. When you die, it will all go to others. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6;19-20
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. “He who loves father or mother…son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” “He who finds his life will lose it and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10: 37, 39
And your 1st boyfriend is your eternal soul. It’s often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, your soul is the only thing that will follow you wherever 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. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” “For where your treasure is, there your heart (and soul) will be also.” Matthew 6:24, 21
Submitted by Jan Falwell
Introduction by Laura Dayton