In Harry Wilson’s book, The Seeker, there is a very emotional scene where young Bernal came to his grandfather to inform him that he had decided not to enter the ministry. The reason for his decision was that he could not accept the traditional views of God that his grandfather preached.
After a lengthy conversation, the old man looked into the face of his grandson and said, “I have no claim upon you; and I shall be glad to provide for you – to educate you further for any profession – away from here – from this house.” These were stinging words, and Bernal had not expected them from his grandfather.
“Thank you, sir,” he replies. “I shall hardly take anything further. But I will go . . . I will take a small sum to go with – enough to get me away . . .”
As Bernal slowly walked away, his grandfather fell on his knees and prayed for his grandson. As he did so, his sobs shook his body convulsively.
The following morning at twilight Bernal came to say goodbye to his grandfather. He made his way to the study door, then paused for a final word: “I believe there is no One above whose forgiveness I need sir – but I shall always be grieved if I can’t have yours. I do need that.”
Standing inside the open door, the old man said, “You have it, I forgive you any hurt you have caused me . . . For that Other forgiveness, which you will one day know is more than mine – I – I shall always pray for that.”
As Bernal left the following morning, his sister, Nancy, called out to Him. He paused and they talked for a while. Finally, Nancy asked him a very important question: “What are you, Bernal?”
“Nothing, Nance – that’s the trouble,” he replied.
“But, where are you going, and what for?” she continued.
“I don’t know either answer,” he replied.
What a powerful story! It tells us that it not enough for us to know all of the theories about God. We may be familiar with what the latest theologians are thinking, and be totally aware of the doctrines taught by the church, but unless we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, our soul will feel the same emptiness that Bernal felt when Nancy asked, “What are you?”
The greatest danger in life is not that we aim too high and miss it, but that we aim too low and reach it. God did not create us to be a “nothing.” He created us in His spiritual image – to be noble and to live on the highest plateaus. Even so, the purpose for which God created us is always blurred when our goals revolve around fulfilling our selfish desires.
Have you found the purpose for which God created you? If not, could it be that your goals in life revolve around the acquisition of money and the things that give you the most pleasure?
Money can buy luxurious mansions, flashy sports cars, fine clothes, expensive jewelry, and exciting adventure, but none of these can satisfy the deepest longings of your soul. The richest person in the world cannot buy health or love or any degree of lasting happiness. Money cannot buy courage or forgiveness or the level of inner peace that comes from knowing all is well with your soul.
In Wilson’s book, The Seeker, the questions Nancy asked Bernal emphasized the importance of knowing who you are and where you are going in life. Until you have a satisfactory answer to these questions you will never know what it means to be genuinely happy. But what is happiness? And where can it be found?
Happiness is not something you have in your hands or have on deposit in the bank; it is something you carry in your heart. It begins the moment you establish a right relationship with God. This is why C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity says, “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself.” With God living in your heart you will have a healthy mental attitude, a grateful spirit, a clear conscience, and a heart full of love. If these four things could be bought, you wouldn’t be able to afford them.
Therefore, ask yourself in a personal way the questions Nancy asked Bernal: “Where am I going”? And “for what am I going?” It is vitally important to have a worthy aim for your life, but only if you are willing to pull the trigger.
The Paper Pulpit 
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