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I watched the movie Fireproof recently for the first time. I know I'm coming late to the party, and as I understand, the movie has its fair share of critics who say Christian art often doesn’t compare in quality to its secular counterpart. And the movie has its fair share of proponents who say that movies like this stand to redeem art from our evil culture. Whoever is right is less important to me right now; I’m simply glad the team that made this movie did so. I found parts of it to be compelling, other parts to be cheesy, and other parts to be a myopic index of standard hot topics for many modern Evangelicals. But I loved the movie—and here’s why: the story reminded me, in tear-filled fashion, that Jesus changes lives. He shines brightly into darkness. He renders the impossible possible by the power of His Word and His love. He breaks people, and in doing so, makes them whole.
He heals marriages. I find it difficult to remember all of this sometimes. I find it far easier to “move on” from this sort of thing to thinking on weightier theological issues. I look at our being conformed into Christ-likeness as a forward-looking process, foregoing an awareness of where I have come from, and how Jesus first changed me. Fireproof reminds each of us of our first love, Jesus, and it awakens within us a sense of gratitude and joy in being changed people. This is the reminder for which I am grateful. Having said all this, I don’t know that being changed people is the foundation of our faith. I’m not even sure it’s end of our relationship with Him—it’s more likely a means towards the end of glorifying Him with all of our beings. But being changed, and the One who continues to change us, is good to remember, and remember often. Question: Have you seen Fireproof, and if so, what were your thoughts? |
Comments
Like you, I found Fireproof both compelling and cheesy, but a good reminder of God's ability to change us. And I found it encouraging; if God can work through a film like this -- far from perfect -- He can work through me, and what I have to offer, as well. We need reminders like this.
I loved this movie so much. I didn't think any part of it was cheesy, although I know some people did. It was moving. I mean, to see a guy throw his computer in the trash because he believes his relationship with his wife is more important than all that - was SO powerful. There were some very touching scenes like that. It got me thinking about relationships and how, when you are married to someone, you just can't give up when you face problems. I am not married, have never been married, but I loved the movie. Watching the guy go through The Love Dare, and seeing how it changed stuff was inspiring. I bet a lot of people want something amazing like that to happen to either themselves or someone else they know.