THE KING



The king was a good and wise man who served his people with love and dedication. He cared not for wealth or power, although he had been richly blessed with both. His desire was that his people be kindly and fairly treated, the poor looked after, the arrogant, humbled. Unfortunately, as it is in every kingdom, there were those who cared not for these things, but instead who sought for power and authority. These used flattery and manipulation to gain favor in the sight of the people, selfishly seeking their own agenda.


In order to serve his people and bring about joy and happiness, the king embarked on a plan to rid his kingdom of self seekers. He called three about him, whose trusted advice he admired and met in counsel. After much deliberation, he determined to go among his people in disguise, while placing a look alike in his stead, to give the outward sign that all remained unchanged. In the unlikely event that some tragedy might befall the king, the three were to install his well beloved and righteous son to the throne. It was a dangerous plan but contrived to build a people that would be wise and pure in heart.


The king took the role of a traveling merchant and moved among the people, largely unnoticed. In using this method, he learned many things about how his subjects perceived him. Many thought him good and loving, others viewed his fairness as weak and thought he should do more to expand his army and conquer neighboring lands. Still others were grateful that he had not heavily taxed the people to support an opulent lifestyle.






His travels were accompanied by at least two bodyguards, who remained in sight, always within motioning or shouting distance, should he require help. These watchful stewards had ready access to call for hundreds of trained soldiers, should the need arise.


On one occasion, while in the outdoor market place, a rich man was approached by a crippled and blind beggar, pleading for coins that he might buy food. The rich man refused and treated the beggar with roughness and disgust. “Let the king’s storehouse feed you,” mocked the rich man. “I have better things to do with my wealth, rather than giving it away!”


When the wealthy man left, the king approached the beggar. “Why do you not apply to the king’s storehouse?” he questioned, slipping a coin into the beggar’s hand. “Those who the king has set as stewards of the king’s storehouse refuse me and those who apply, saying that the king only allows those who will pay a fee first.”


The king found the beggar’s words to be true and through his bodyguards, had the wicked men removed and new honest stewards installed. Further, there was a proclamation posted throughout the kingdom that all able-bodied men would be given fair work for fair wages and those who could not earn would be cared for.


By this and other such observations, the king was able to move among the people and eliminate, as much as it was possible, those who would disobey the laws of the kingdom. The king returned to his throne but would often move among the people, in like manner, during other times, discovering if his edicts were obeyed.


Because of the king’s love for his people and his diligence, he was beloved by his subjects and lived to a good old age. So too, may we, in our own stewardships, do all we can to forget self and protect and uphold the right, seeking not for praise, power or glory but seeking God for the welfare of our fellow beings.