No Compromise - Melody Green

With David Hazard.
Published by Word Publishing: Milton Keynes, England, 1989.

This is the life story of Christian musician Keith Green, told by his wife Melody. Keith had a short but impacting life, only coming to Christ seven years before his tragic death, yet reaching hundreds of thousands through his music and ministry, both during his life and afterwards.

I have read this book a number of times in the past and always found it challenging. Keith was a very "full on" personality, and his passion for God drove him to (as the title of the book states) accept no compromises in his faith. Very black and white in his thinking, Keith was not afraid to challenge his audience, his record company, or himself if he felt something needed to shift in order to become more 'authentically' Christian. Reading the book with Elise led to a lot of conversations about our own faith, and how we could also seek to deepen our walk with God.

Being told from Melody's perspective we also get an insight into what living with a man like Keith must have been like. Melody's own insecurities and more gradual growth in her faith are encouraging for the reader who might feel overwhelmed by the intensity and speed with with Keith made his decisions. Yet Melody's faith is in no way "less" than Keith's; she also strives for a deeper walk with God, and following Keith's death, is able to point to her connection with God as the main source of comfort to get her through the grieving process.

The book includes many passages from Keith's private journals, as well as lyrics from songs by both Keith and Melody. The music of Keith Green (although sometimes feeling a little dated in its arrangement these days) is still incredibly powerful and stirring, and seeing the songs in the context they were written is sure to interest fans of his music, and stir other Christian songwriters. I know he has always been someone whose music stirred me, even before I had read his life story.

I fully recommend this book, but be warned, it is challenging. If you can read this, as a believer, and not be challenged in your walk with God, then I wonder if you have read it carefully enough. God is worth more than anything we can ever offer Him. Can we offer Him a life of no compromise?

Completed with Elise, 30 April 2020.

(Elise Books)

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