The Straight-Shooter

After my last commentary it really got me thinking about the “music of old”; specifically the words, music and life of Keith Green.

The man was probably one of the most gifted tools of the Lord for speaking the truth without any ambiguity or pretense. His Christian ministry began when he was 21 after years of searching and questioning. Why the Lord allowed him to be on this planet for a mere 28 years—and only seven of which were his ministry years—is beyond my understanding. The Lord had his reasons, and I am certainly grateful for what Keith Green accomplished… and is still accomplishing through his Last Days Ministries organization.

Among his fellow musicians he was known for his zealous, hyperactive quest to spread the gospel through music and prayer. He was truly a “straight-shooter” when it came to being real with God. Listen to some of his lyrics in “To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice”:

To obey is better than sacrifice,
I want more than Sundays and Wednesday nights,
Cause if you can't come to Me every day
Then don't bother coming at all

Now if that isn’t straight-shooting…I don’t know what is. Every time I hear those lyrics it chills me to the bone. No pussy-footing around Christianity in those words.

What I’ve found to be both convicting and necessary for my own life is exactly that…conviction. I love the status quo as much as the next guy and I’m pretty much wired to not liking change. That said, I need to constantly pray for what I might be missing in my quest to feel good and continue with the same-‘ol same-‘ol. God is very gracious in letting me know when I’m missing the mark or screwing up.

Our relationship with God can be a natural high when we’re fully connected with Him…but, unfortunately, life and all its woes can get in the way and distract us from that experience. It’s people like Keith Green who had it right and wasn’t afraid to say it. I thank God I was able to have ministers of music and truth during my impressionable years as an adolescent. I’ve sure had my share of rejecting that truth…but I know God is a loving and merciful God and is always waiting for me to return to His arms.

Blessings!

Greg Morton
© September 19, 2009