Fireproof: My Thoughts

My wife and I went and saw Fireproof this weekend. I wasn't expecting much. I didn't really want to go, but I didn't put up a fight either. I'm a 27 year old male. I like movies that involve guns-a-blazin'. That said, I'm glad I went. Here are a few observations:

1) The first 10 minutes or so were a little tough to watch. The acting was a little rough, but they figured it out.

2) It was more spiritually-based that I originally thought. I knew it was done by a church, but I expected them to hint at things in hopes that it would make people question life without God. I was wrong. The movie just came right out and talked about salvation and God's love. It was surprising, but a great surprise! It's a no holds barred movie about the love of Christ and what it can do.

3) It was actually pretty humorous. Even better was the fact that the humor was ALL clean! I'm not one for super-crass humor like what you might find on Comedy Central. Nor am I a fan of the stupid humor you see on Saturday Night Live. This was real life humor and it was funny!

4) The main point, in my opinion, was that you can't love until you understand God's love. God loves us regardless of what we do. Even if we, to quote the movie, "spit in His face" God still loves us. That is the way we should treat others, and that doesn't just apply to our spouses.

5) It had some good messages to those who are unwed as well. The struggles with pornography, materialism (in this case a boat), and work are things that many people struggle with. While those may not be your struggles, I would be willing to bet that there is something out there that keeps you from honoring God or those you love. Kirk Cameron's character, Caleb did what he had to to break free from these problems. I won't spoil what he did in each case, but his actions were bold and they changed his life.

6) The movie shows how loving God isn't always easy. It isn't pain-free. It is never a one time thing.

7) It also shows us the wisdom of Godly counselors. Caleb's counselors were his father and one of his fire station buddies. Both were Godly men. His wife Catherine had the counsel of her coworkers. They were not Godly women. They were more interested in gossip and retribution than reconciliation and love. It wasn't until Catherine had a short lunch with an older Christian woman that was told not to continue with some of her behavior (I don't want to spoil what she was doing). I think it is definitely a good lesson. Having Godly counsel doesn't always mean you will have a fairytale ending or that you will do the right thing, but I bet that your decision-making process will be much more inline with what God wants.

That's all I got at the moment. Maybe I will come up with something else. Who knows? If you haven't seen the movie, I suggest doing so. If you have anything else to add, feel free!