George Müller —A man who grew up in the faith fast, but not all at once (Part Two)

One of my favorite sections of the biography is when Pierson presents a list of 24 important steps, steps that he believes were essential in the spiritual formation of George Müller. Here are steps 7-12: 

7. His cutting loose from man.

Step by step, all dependence on men or appeals to man for support were abandoned, together with all borrowing, running into debt, stated salary, etc. His eyes were turned to God alone as the Provider.

Early on in his Christian journey, Müller committed himself (and his wife) to voluntary poverty and then to the rejection of a fixed salary. Is this approach a prescription for the Christian life? No, it is not. Yet this does not mean we should disregard the reason that drove Müller to this commitment, a desire to trust God and to show others that God is the Great Provider. Furthermore, how often does “the law of sin” convince us that this approach is irrational, irresponsible and foolish….but really we simply want to stay comfortable. We like the security of the bi-weekly check. We put on the scales verses like Proverbs 6:6- 8 and quickly conclude that this verse trumps many other verses.

Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, ⁷ Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, ⁸ Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in the harvest.

But what about faith and trust? Please I am not advocating anyone to quit their job and wait at home for God to show up with a check. But I am saying that we ought to be suspicious of our heart and its propensity to love self and to love money (I Tim. 6:10-11). In other words, Müller showed Christians that material security often hinders genuine trust in God.

8. His satisfaction in the Word.

As knowledge of the Scriptures grew, love for the divine oracles increased, until all other books, even of a religious sort, lost their charms in comparison, with God’s own text-book, as explained and illumined by the Divine Interpreter.

It is good to remember that there is a difference between knowledge of the Word and satisfaction in the Word. Now that I think about….I guess there shouldn’t be a difference. True knowledge, according to scripture, always excites the heart (Jam. 1:22; Phil 1:9-10).

9. His thorough Bible study.

Few young men have ever been led to such a systematic search into the treasures of God’s truth. He read the Book of God through and through, fixing its teachings on his mind by meditation and translation them into practice.

In other words, young men are lazy and are not given to diligence (Deut. 6:17). Müller’s life of holiness began during his early mornings with the Lord. This provides a simple reminder that God’s way is always the best way, even if the “fruit” is not seen immediately.  

10. His freedom from human control

He felt the need of independence of man in order to complete dependence on God, and boldly broke all fetters that hindered his liberty in preaching, in teaching, or in following the heavenly Guide and the serving the heavenly Master.

Admittedly, I have struggled with the extent of Müller’s independence. Where does human accountability come in? I understand that ultimately Müller will answer to God for what he did in this life, but scripture tells us in many places to seek and listen to human counsel (Prov. 27:9).

Yet, in Müller’s defense, he was a man “of the Book”. His principles, which guided his life and ministry, were based in the character of God and the clear teachings of the scriptures. Furthermore, there is no documentation that Müller ever tried to apply his principles to other Christians or even other para-church organizations.

So what do we conclude? Müller listened to the Holy Spirit and bathed himself in the word of God and prayer. Let’s do an experiment….you and I live this out in our Christian lives. I am willing to let the “chips fall as they may”………are you?

11. His use of opportunity

He felt the value of souls, and he formed habits of approaching others as to matters of salvation, even in public conveyances. By a word of witness, a tract, a humble example, he sought constantly to lead someone to Christ.

12. His release from civil obligations

This was purely providential. In a strange way God set him free from all liability to military service, and left him free to pursue his heavenly calling as His soldier, without entanglement in the affairs of this life.

All I would glean from this step is the wonderful reminder of the providence of God. Sadly, though, few Christians enjoy seeing His providence, usually because they rarely trust in His sovereignty.