It’s so hard to see when my eyes are on me. ― Keith Green
There are so many books one can choose that chronicle current trends in leadership, personal development, and self-empowerment. I’ve read so many of them, but every so often, I want to read a biography about someone that has had an impact on their community, neighborhood, or even the world. Some are influential political figures, while others are athletes or coaches. One of my books this week was about a Christian musician.
In the book, No Compromise: the Life Story of Keith Green, Melody Green shares the life story of her husband and his work in the late 70’s and early 80’s. You don’t need to agree with Green’s theology or life philosophy to be impressed with the focused drive of someone that knew there was more to be experienced than the life he had lived. Keith Green was a singer and performer all of his life. He had his first record deal as a 14 year old and would go on to write jingles for CBS before experiencing a spiritual conversion and producing four Christian albums.
More important than the hundreds of thousands of records sold is the work of Keith Green. Together with his wife and friends, he would start or inspire projects around the world including an orphanage in Mexico. In his 29 short years, Keith Green relentlessly pursued a life that would glorify God and bless so many. In the earliest days he could be very judgemental and critical as he pursued his faith. Later, in the last year of his life, he became much more gracious and compassionate. However, the passion and zeal never waned.
Perhaps that is what I found so refreshing. We live in a day when we have seen so many leaders and celebrities fail publicly and produce doubt that anyone can be faithful in the service to something beyond their own selfishness. Green was far from perfect, and, according to his own writings, failed many times. Yet, his life seemed to be a sincere pursuit of God’s love for all of us.
I’ve never tried to be controversial. The truth is controversial enough. — Keith Green