Select Page

Alexander the GreatIt is said that the world-conqueror Alexander the Great had Aristotle as his teacher and learned from him philosophy, ethics and politics in his childhood. One day, Aristotle asked the young prince Alexander: “What will you do when you become king?”

“First of all, I will conquer Asia Minor,” Alexander replied.
The teacher asked him again:
“What will you do after conquering Minor Asia?”
“I will conquer Palestine and Egypt.”
“What will you do after you conquer them?”
“I will conquer Persia and India.”
The prince answered outspokenly. Aristotle asked him the same question once again.
“What will you do after you conquer Persia and India?”
Then Alexander answered as follows:
“I’ll probably die by then.”

The final answer of the great hero, who had more power and wealth than any one had ever had before, was “I will also die.” Actually, Alexander the Great died of a serious fever at the age of 33 while returning from his Indian expedition after conquering many countries. 

Our lives are not different. Sometimes, we might hear news that someone, who breathed together in the same room and planned the future together just a few days ago, has unexpectedly died. Are there more appropriate expressions which describe such a situation but ‘vain life’? For this reason, Solomon must have said, “Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

The most blessed and meaningful thing in our lives is to fear God and keep His commandments. This is the whole duty of man and the way to live forever in the kingdom of heaven. There is a method God gave us to lead us to heaven where our lives continue for eternity.

Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life… (John 6:54)

Jesus said that we should eat and drink the Passover bread and wine which represents His flesh and blood in order to have eternal life (Matthew 26:17-28.) If we follow His words, we can have eternal life and enter the kingdom of heaven.

The Bible says that there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain in the kingdom of heaven (Revelation 21:4.) It’s also written that the kingdom of heaven is the most glorious place we even cannot imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9.) God came in the flesh to lead us to such a glorious place. Considering His grace, we need to do our best to obey what God commanded us not to make His love and efforts in vain… and not to make our lives in vain.

[Related Articles]