Bill Borden was an outstanding young leader and athlete at Yale. When he was 25 years of age he inherited well over a million dollars. His parents were part of the famous Borden Dairy Products family. That was in 1912. In today’s currency that would probably be over 100 millions dollars. But he gave everything away. He gave it all away!
He had become a Christian as a young man, and had been feeling an increasing sense of call to China as a missionary. He wasn’t married and lived an unpretentious lifestyle, so he said, “I don’t need much money on the mission field.” He carefully calculated to give all his money away.
100,000 dollars went to National Bible Institute.
100,000 dollars to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
250,000 dollars to the China Inland Mission, with 100,000 to be invested and the interest used for a retirement fund for missionaries.
He gave more to other Christ-centered causes. And then, Bill Borden, when he had given all his money away, headed overseas. Within a few months he was dead! He contracted meningitis in Cairo and died.
Most people in this world, if evaluating Borden’s life would conclude, “What a waste!” I beg to differ. Sure, if he had hoarded the money and continued living a “safe” life he might have died of old age. Then he could have passed it on to distant relatives who would have fought over it or wasted it or hoarded it up, and what good would it have been?
But why would Borden make such a radical move and give it all away? I’ll tell you…
People became more important than things.
Eternity was more important than time.
Christ was more important than his own selfish desires.
When he died they found among his possessions a poem that Bill’s mother had given him when he was seventeen years of age. He kept it with him all the time because it meant so much to him. It sums up how he viewed life.
Just as I am Thine own to be
Friend of the One who lovest me.
To consecrate myself to thee
Oh, Jesus Christ I come.
In the glad mornings of my days
My life to give, my vows to pay.
With no reserve and no delay
With all my heart I come.
I would live ever in the light
I would work ever for the right
I would serve thee with all my might
Therefore I come to thee.
Just as I am, young, strong and free
To be the best that I can be
For truth and righteousness and thee
Lord of my life I come.
A wasted life? I don’t think so. I’d say Bill Borden died a winner. He got it! He fully understood that he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Insight for the Journey 
Pastor Rex: your sermon series has taught me alot. This past one was especially important for me to hear. Sometimes we are so caught up in the whole suburban lifestyle and we just want more and more…and forget about what’s truly important (the lost souls out there besides our own soul!)
Thank you for being a humble servant and for teaching us.
Thanks for highlighting William Borden’s life. An amazing example of sacrifice and service, even though his time on earth was relatively brief.
You likely know that the poem you quote is actually a hymn, written by Marianne Hearn (born 176 years ago today). You can see it on the Cyber Hymnal at: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/j/u/juaithin.htm
If you enjoy reading about our hymns and their authors, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwise Hymns. God bless.
I THANK YOU LORD FOR PROVIDING FOR THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFULLY DOING YOUR WORK AND SHARING YOUR GOOD WORDS WITH ME!
PLEASE CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES AS THEY CONTINUE TO SHARE YOUR WORDS ALL OVER THE WORLD, THRU INTERNET, BOOKS, MAGAZINES AND MANY MORE OTHER WAYS BECAUSE I AM FROM A TINY ISLAND IN MICRONESIA THAT THE LORD KNOWS WE HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT THE WONDERFUL POWER OF OUR LORD.
If you look into it a bit more, you may discover that Bill Borden was not from the same family as the Borden Dairy Family. His father, William Borden, appears to have made his fortune in Chicago real estate after the Great Chicago fires and from silver mining in California.
At any rate, he was and incredible example for us all, having given up millions for the sake of the gospel of Christ.
I heard this story today on my car’s radio while traveling. It certainly enlightened me as my wife and I have embarked on a life’s journey to completely follow Gods call. Over the last five or so years God has shown me the things in life that are important. The coins with Ceasar’s picture are temporary but man’s soul last forever. A true love for people can only come through a close relationship with God our Father. I prayer that God finds favor with my wife and I as we strive to do his will.