Articles and thoughts by Steve Green.

Desiring the Kingdom

January 22nd, 2012

In his book, “Desiring the Kingdom”, James K. A. Smith suggests that we are not primarily ‘brains on a stick’ or thinking beings, but rather we are ‘desiring’ and loving beings. Regardless of what we claim to believe, we do what we love.  Our identity is shaped by what we love as ultimate, “what at the end of the day gives us a sense of meaning, purpose, understanding, and orientation.” 

Smith goes on to say that “what we desire or love ultimately is a vision of what we hope for, what we think the good life looks like.”  The real question, then, is how do we shape our hearts to love and desire what is truly good?  Here is the crux of Smith’s book.  Our desires are not molded primarily by a deposit of information, but instead by the liturgies of life, those practices, whether ‘sacred’ or ‘secular’ that train our hearts to value certain things, to aim for certain goals, to pursue certain dreams.  All around us competing secular liturgies vie for our hearts affections. 

In a brilliant illustration, Smith describes the shopping mall as a modern-day cathedral.  When we walk into a mall we are not handed a statement of faith or a brochure of the mall’s beliefs.  But make no mistake about it; the mall is not a neutral place.  We are hit with a very visceral, tactile experience with sights, sounds and smells.  All of it is very powerfully pointing to the mall’s vision of “the good life.”

What does this have to do with concert ministry?  A night of music ministry can, through songs, worship, prayer, stories, gospel reminders and messages, point hearts heavenward and help focus affection on the only true prize.  I’ve seen it happen.  By the power of God’s Spirit and His gracious working, I’ve seen eyes opened to recognize Jesus as the one true Treasure.  I’ve seen the wanderer come home, the discouraged sing songs of hope, the poor rejoice in the wealth of their eternal inheritance and the weary find strength at the foot of the cross.

7 Comments »

  1. Steve thank you very much for this new thought, which help us to think about what really matters. What joy to see one post so close to the previous !!!
    God bless you. From Buenos Aires

    Comment by Athos — January 23, 2012 @ 12:00 am

  2. Steve -

    Which is why I am so grateful for what you do and how you do it :-) … indeed, nothing satisfies except that for which God designed us. Like a pacifier an infant sucks on getting nothing, so the things of this world call us to latch on. God help us know what’s what and who’s who so we can live the life He died to give us.

    Blessings upon you brother -

    Comment by Dan Page — January 23, 2012 @ 4:03 pm

  3. Great thoughts. I feel as though I easily lose a sharp focus throughout the day, but God seems to always faithfully find me and lead me back. It’s wonderful to reflect on that “eternal inheritance kept in heaven” which gives us hope no matter what our circumstance!

    Comment by jonathan — January 23, 2012 @ 11:55 pm

  4. I totally agree…there is nothing like worship and a concert of praise to turn my eyes to Jesus.
    Sometimes I look back and cannot believe I did not at least minor in music in college…but, the good thing is I can sit down at my piano any time I want…or decide to pick up the guitar again.
    It is all about choices.
    We choose to Praise Him with our lips and render our hearts unto Him daily..as we submit to His Word.
    I so appreciate SGM.
    Natalie

    Comment by Natalie Kleefisch — January 24, 2012 @ 7:52 pm

  5. This morning on my way into work I was listening (& singing along)to your CD “Tienen Que Saber” & decided to check out your website. I grew up as an MK in Argentina and my parent’s first video sent back to family in the US in 1990 shows the city of San Pedro and our work there with “Tienen Que Saber” playing in the background. At church we grew up singing many of the songs from that CD. I also was in Buenos Aires when Billy Graham came and you sang as well. Just wanted to let you know I still listen to that CD and it brings back very special memories.
    Wendy

    Comment by Wendy King Rodriguez — January 30, 2012 @ 10:52 am

  6. Wow, Wendy. I spent several years in San Pedro and remember the city well. We have a trip planned back to Argentina this year and I’m looking forward to the return visit. Thanks for the encouragement.

    Steve

    Comment by steve — February 1, 2012 @ 1:39 am

  7. Steve, Our sovereign God chose my 27 yr. old daughter,Laura Beth Botkin to join in his kingdom on August 12,2012.She was our music prodigy.An entire pg. about her on search.I brought her to your Cincinnati concerts and she went up with the children to sing with you.Who knows what excellent realm of music she is giving to her Lord.? Laura was an accomplished pianist,theatrical and opera performer and voice teacher of some 25. Though a drunk driver came head on to her vehicle, this seeming tragedy has a happy ending. When in Christian school at age 5, she came home from school and said,”Mommy, I asked Jesus to come into my heart.” So then she was sealed. Please pray for our family as this is still somewhat fresh. I have seen about 5 of your concerts and have several cd.s and piano books. I listen to your last cd with several songs that help me to glorify God and heaven,”Out of ashes..into freedom….” When I can, I want to buy your newest cd. One more thing…Please come closer to Cincinnati soon. I looked up Akron on the map and it’s just too far. Steve Green, Thank you for heeding God’s call into this music ministry. I did meet you in conversation after the Tri County Assembly of God Church concert. Thank you for your time and friendly encounter.Your music has spoken to my spirit in song,concert,piano, and cd more than you’ll ever know. love, Kathy Plavsic

    Comment by Katherine Plavsic — October 25, 2012 @ 6:03 pm

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