A MILLIONAIRE MISSIONARY


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

IF YOU WERE RICH, AND HAD A MILLION OR MORE DOLLARS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT? MORE IMPORTANT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR LIFE AS A RESULT?

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the WWY Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about one man who had this, and what an astounding thing he did with his life!

One day while Jesus was teaching His disciples, he blurted out a dramatic statement that left his follower aghast. We read of it in.

Mark 10:23-25 (NIV) "Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.""

Of course, this got the disciples attention because deep down inside they were also following Jesus in the hopes He would bring in a new earthly kingdom of which they would in some small or greater way profit from being His disciples. However, in time they learned what true riches were, and more, they learned what Jesus meant by these words. Now let's understand this, Jesus wasn't saying that rich people cannot enter the kingdom of God, but that only those who didn't allow their riches to own them could enter, for those who had fallen to enslavement to their riches could never choose between the two. Perhaps, the best example of this is in the story of the Rich Young Ruler, which by the way is what Jesus was referring to in my previous statement of the difficulty for the rich to enter heaven. We read in,

Luke 18:18-23 (NIV) "A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’" 21 "All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said. 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth."

You see wealth by itself is not an evil thing. But what it does to us can often be the evil of wealth. Yet, there was one man who was born with blue blood in his veins and a silver spoon in his mouth, who bucked the odds and came forth shining for Jesus. His name? WILLIAM WHITING BORDEN, and in a moment, I'll share his story with you…

…Who is William Whiting Borden? He is a man, who for the most part, is unknown to many today. Yet, at the turn of the 20th century, his life and death in Heaven's circles meant volumes of praise and joy! Let's begin by introducing this man to you and then to tell you what he did…

To begin William Borden was born on November 1, 1887 of distinguished heritage, fame and fortune. His mother's family, the Whiting's were a well known English family of wealth and prominence. His father's family were some of the first settlers in the New World called the Americas. His mother's family even came over on the Mayflower, and made him a direct descendant of William Bradford, the first governor of the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts in the USA.

However more recent was the fact that William Borden's father was a very wealthy businessman and prominent in Chicago, Illinois at the turn of the century. This made young William Borden heir to a multi-million dollar estate.

William Borden grew up under the watch care and tutelage of his godly mother. Mrs. Borden knew Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and had committed her life to loving and serving him. However, it was not as apparent with William's father. His mind and heart was in the world of business and that apparently came first. However, Mrs. Borden was intent in passing on her faith and commitment to her beloved son William and she did! How wonderful it is to know that even if both parents are not fully committed to the Lord, a mother's faith can turn the tide and save the soul for Jesus. I'm reminded of another man who in similar circumstances came forth as a great man of God because of the faith of his mother and grandmother. We read in Scripture,

Acts 16:1 (NIV) "[ Paul the apostle] He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek."

PAUL WENT ON LATER TO SAY ABOUT TIMOTHY…

2 Tim 1:5 (NIV) "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

How wonderful it is to know God can simply overrule the ineffective or missing faith of a parent, as long as one is fully committed to Christ. Such was Mrs. Borden with her young son William.

Well as William Borden grew up, he was no different from any other young lad, except that he had that "silver spoon," in his mouth, that one day would grant him the title of a young millionaire! There was essentially nothing he couldn't have in life once he reached age. But, friend that is not what happened and I tell you the story now.

As William grew under the watchful training eye of his mother, she had instilled in him a love for spiritual things. One day when attending the famous Moody church of Chicago, a guest speaker was preaching from the pulpit. His name was Dr. R.A. Torrey. His message was a challenge to surrender one's life to Christ, for whatever service God would choose. God's Spirit moved in the assembly and many stood to their feet making a commitment to total consecration to Jesus Christ and the work of the kingdom! Among them, was one little seven year old boy whose name was William Borden. Many smiled that day at this young lad's desire, but later it proved that God had indeed touched the heart of a young boy who would from that day forward surrender his life to loving and serving Jesus Christ above all else.

Well William Borden graduated from Hill School in Pennsylvania in 1904, fourth in his class of 48 boys at the age of sixteen. Alas, he was too young for college, so his discerning mother still training her son for Jesus encouraged him to take a trip around the world under the care of a traveling companion, Mr. Walter Eerdman, a graduate of Princeton university and Seminary. Together these two men the younger and older Christian saw the sights of the world wasting no expense. William Borden, who had been shielded from the poverty and suffering of the masses around the world was aghast when he saw Japan, China and India. The poverty, suffering, disease and worse the pagan religions that enslaved the peoples of the world touched the heart of this young impressionable man. Borden never forgot this, and dedicated his life to considering becoming a missionary to the suffering masses of people whose lives were shrouded in the darkness of sin and evil. He later returned home and told his father of his desires and how he felt. Unfortunately, his father a wealthy businessman had other plans for young William, and being a missionary wasn't one of them. He tried to dissuade him, but none the less the heart of this young man was smitten by God to love and serve Christ!

While back in the states, William attended many church services and revival meetings. His heart was being prepared for serving the Lord Jesus Christ. William never forgot that time long ago as a young boy he stood to his feet and consecrated his life under the preaching of Dr. R.A. Torrey. Well one day Dr. Torrey was preaching in London while William was on his "world tour." He wanted desperately to attend that meeting, so he and his traveling companion went. Again when Dr. Torrey called for a public commitment to Christ, William Borden was again strongly moved by the Spirit of God to stand and rededicate his life to Christ. More than ten years had passed since his first commitment, but now more than ever, he knew there was only one thing for him to do. That was to give his life to Christ for whatever purpose and place God would reveal.

Well Borden went home and enrolled in Yale university at his father's pleading. Yale of course like most older collegiate institutions was founded by Christian missionaries, but by the turn of the 19th century, Yale was slipping in its spiritual heritage and footing. Borden noticed that the spiritual life of most there was nil, and he was essentially quite alone in his desire to live for Christ. However, there was a remnant there that he found fellowship with, and that he continued to do until he graduated. While there at Yale, although pressured greatly, he refused to join the secret societies or fraternities that were committed to frolicking in this world, and getting all the "gusto" out of it. He boldly witnessed for Christ on campus and led a number to Christ. William Borden found two text in the Bible that became his favorite.

Psa 119:9 (NIV) "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."

Psa 119:11 (NIV) "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

While at Yale in the state of Connecticut, William often went down to the docks of this seaport of New Haven and witnessed to and ministered to the "down and outers" there. The result was he founded the YALE HOPE MISSION. There, hundreds of lives were dramatically changed by the new birth experience of the soul in these sin laden men.

One day Borden was a delegate to the Student Volunteer Movement conference that was held in Nashville, Tennessee. There Dr. Samuel Zwemer, a noted missionary to Muslims was speaking. Borden's heart came alive, and he knew at this point God was going to lead him to reach the Muslim people of North-West China.

Well Borden graduated from Yale with honors in 1909 and the same year entered Princeton Seminary. William's father had died a few years earlier, and young Borden had now become heir to millions!

Now the world lay at his feet, and William Borden could do as he pleased. Oh how this is the desire of multitudes, to have more than enough money to do as one pleases. But William Borden has no desire for the vast sums of inheritance he received. His eyes and heart were on the Lord and His work, and he wanted to give his life to serve our great God and King.

Well Borden graduated from Princeton Seminary in 1912 and on September 9th he was ordained to the gospel ministry of Jesus Christ. Borden spent the next three months speaking at various colleges representing the cause of missions. But strangely, it was there God finally spoke to his heart. Rather then talking about missions, it was time he went and became a missionary himself.

It was on December 17, 1912, William Borden said good-by to his beloved mother and sailed to Egypt where he planned to study with Dr. Samuel Zwemer, the note missionary to Muslims. Borden wanted all the help to understand and learn about the Muslim people before he went to China with the China Inland Missions.

There in Egypt, Borden threw himself into literature distribution among the sick and ailing people of Egypt. He wanted desperately to reach them for Christ to tell them of the saving message of the Bible for all people. He spoke to them God's Word that says,

John 3:16-17 (NIV) ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

Eph 2:8-9 (NIV) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast."

Rom 3:23 (NIV) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Rom 6:23 (NIV) "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Oh, how his heart burned for the multitudes in darkness, who needed to turn to the Light of Christ. Say friend, it is not only heathen darkness where sinners need to be saved. It is everywhere. Why even this rich young man, William Borden, needed to be saved from his sins too. So I ask you personally, have you been saved from your sins? Oh, I'm not asking if you are religious, or living a good life, or doing good things ¾ all these righteous things are good in and of themselves, but they can NEVER save the soul! They can never bring anyone into a right and forgiven relationship to our Creator God and Lord Jesus Christ. What' I'm asking is do you personally know Jesus Christ as your LORD and Savior? Apart from that Jesus Himself said,

John 8:24 (NIV) "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.""

Well William Borden gave his life, as the Rich Young ruler of Jesus day should have. Going back to this story in the Bible we read,

Luke 18:18-23 (NLT) "Once a [rich] religious leader asked Jesus this question: "Good teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?" 19 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus asked him. "Only God is truly good. 20 But as for your question, you know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not murder. Do not steal. Do not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.’" 21 The man replied, "I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was a child." 22 "There is still one thing you lack," Jesus said. "Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 23 But when the man heard this, he became sad because he was very rich."

Now it wasn't the selling of all he had that bought him salvation. It was the fact that this rich young ruler was "bound" or enslaved by his riches. They controlled him, rather than he controlled them. Because his heart was not given over to God, he could not part with any of his wealth. Not so for William Borden, he became the millionaire Missionary, who gave away his wealth to the cause for Christ. He heard the voice of Jesus clearly calling,

Mat 11:28 (NIV) ""Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

How sad so many people today will not come to Christ in fear of losing what they have. But in reality, none of us can hold on to anything for we all will die. Well young William Borden who had such a promising career for the Lord we find lost his life early on. While in Egypt ministering among the poor and sickly, he contracted the deadly disease, cerebral meningitis. This crippling and deadly disease took his life and William Whiting Borden died on April 9, 1913, at the tender age of 26 years of age! The news of his death was reported round the world. In his will William Borden left his fortune to various Christian ministries to his mother's delight!

In his short life, he served Christ to the fullest, and in death he left us all an example of what it means to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

Many would say he wasted his life, but God would say he found his life! Borden's desire was to magnify Christ whether it was in life or by death ¾ - well friends he did both!

Now one lesson stands out to me. It is that God delights to capture the hearts of us while we are yet children. William Borden's heart was captured by the Lord at the tender age of seven. Let us never underestimate the importance of children's ministries!

As a result of God getting a hold of him early, he prepared himself to serve whatever years God would give. It was found in his diary these words he wrote while a student at Yale.

"Lord Jesus, I take hands off, as far as my life is concerned. I put You on the throne in my heart. Change, me, cleanse me and use me as You choose. I take full power of Your Holy Spirit. I thank You!"

Although his life is long gone, his testimony and his rewards are still multiplying for the support and work he gave through his millions dedicated to Christ. Yes, William Borden was a millionaire missionary, but really God is not directly interested in the amount of money and wealth you have, for it is He who gives it in the first place. God is in rather interested in only one thing all of us have and can give ¾ our heart!

So friend I leave you with this challenge, "Will you, like William Borden right now wherever you are, give your heart to Jesus Christ?" Will you crown Him the Lord of your life, and ask for the forgiveness of all your sins by His substitutionary death on the cross? If so, your name will be written down in Heaven itself along side of William Borden, a millionaire missionary for Christ. In the words of a later saint and missionary servant who died on the mission field, I leave you the words and challenge of Jim Elliot martyred missionary who said,

"He is no fool to give what he cannot keep,

to gain what he cannot lose."

May you so give your heart and soul today to your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus said,

John 12:25 (NIV) "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

William Borden was a great missionary, not for the time he spent on the field he was to serve, but in his heart commitment to Christ while he lived. After all, it's not the length of a person's life that matters, but the strength of one's influence for God that counts. May your life count for Jesus friend as we await His glorious return.

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 18 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.

For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/