Being Accountable
The Autobiography of George Müller, also known as The Life of Trust, should be titled The Life of an Account Manager. For starters, Müller gives a detailed account of all the money that has passed through his hands, in his capacity as a missionary and director of orphanage in Bristol. Second, he also painstakingly records the actions he has taken and choices he has made in the same capacity, explaining his motives and reasoning behind every important decision. In short, George Müller exemplifies what it means to “give an account of ourselves”.
It is amazing how an otherwise boring and mundane existence is transformed into a joyful and meaningful one. Perhaps the secret lies in being accountable. “An unexamined life is not worth living”, whereas an examined life is by definition accountable, to men and ultimately to God.
“It is Miraculous”
Christianity teaching that God is manifested in the Creation and Incarnation. The supernatural is manifested in the natural, the divine in the mundane. This autobiography is reminiscent of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, in that the divine infused the daily life of an ordinary, not to mention flawed, individual, one just like us. As Salieri hears the voice of God in the music of Mozart, I also hear His voice in the autobiography of George Müller.
It is also a Christian teaching that God upholds all things by the word of his power, without which the universe would cease to exist. By inference, the existence of every person is also upheld by God, minute by minute, day by day. George Müller takes this teaching literally, and looks to the Father for his daily bread. He has faith that the Father will provide for his needs, and the needs of the orphans under his care, although he often does not see when and from where the provision comes.
His autobiography is a testimony of the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God.
References:
- Müller, “The Life of Trust: Being a Narrative of the Lord’s Dealings with George Müller.” Project Gutenberg, November 17, 2008. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27288.