Chapter One
The Parable of the Beloved King
Once there was a kingdom that knew peace and a king that was beloved by his people. Everywhere the king went, the people of the land would praise him and shower him with adoration.
Whatever the king wanted, the people would provide. When he was in need of a new palace, they didn't hesitate to build it for him. When he wanted to travel to other countries, the people sent him gladly and awaited his return with open arms. When he needed funds for any project, the people taxed themselves to pay for it. When he asked for any sort of support, the people were always generous with their response.
However, the king was aware of the love being shown to kings in other lands. Other kings has nicer palaces and their people generated even more tax money for bigger projects. The king began to wonder how much his people loved him. He started to ask for even more money and was pleased to see that the people responded without reservation. He knew that the people loved and respected him because of all that they eagerly provided to him.
One day, however, in the midst of a famine, the people asked the king if they might decrease their tax burden for the year since many of the people were struggling to feed their families. The king felt affronted. He wondered why the people no longer respected him. He felt that any less money in his coffers was a clear indication of the people's disrespect. He made it very clear to his people that no only would he not decrease their burden, but he expected it to be increased as a sign of their love to him. Any less and he threatened to leave their kingdom and go where he was truly respected.
The king was overthrown and the people rejoiced. And the land once again had peace.
Woe to any king that puts respect before honor.
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