It is said that Alexander the Great— one of the greatest military figures in history, who conquered practically the entire known world in his day— one night, during a campaign, could not sleep, so he left his tent for a walk through the fields.

While strolling he noticed that one of the soldiers, who stood guard, had fallen asleep, a terrible fault carrying even the death penalty. The soldier began to wake up when Alexander approached him. When he recognized who was approaching, he began to fear for his life.

—Do you know what the punishment is for falling asleep during guard duty? — Alexander asked him.

—Yes, Sir — said the shaking soldier.

—Soldier, what’s your name? — Alexander asked him.

—Alexander, Sir.

Alexander the Great repeated the question:

—What’s your name?

—My name is Alexander, Sir — the soldier repeated.

For a third time, with a louder voice, Alexander the Great asked:

—What’s your name?

Again, the soldier replied on a trembling voice:

—Alexander, Sir, my name is Alexander.

—Soldier — Alexander said looking into his eyes intently— either change your name or change your conduct.

It is not easy to be a Christian in these times. It is desirable that we, who call ourselves Christians, accept all the consequences that come with the greatness and tasks of following Jesus Christ. That those who bear the name of Christ, called Christians, live according to what Christ lived and taught.

I invite you to take your Bible today and reflect on these passages: 2 Timothy 2 (“Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil”); James 2 (“But you dishonored the poor person”); 1 Peter 4 (“But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.”).