Fireproof

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm usually a little behind the times. Last year, I saw Lord of the Rings for the first time, bought my first iPod, and first tasted strawberries with balsamic vinegar. Yeah, the good things seem to come slow to me. So it shouldn't shock anyone that I have just now viewed last year's highest-grossing independent film: Fireproof.

This is the third film for Sherwood Pictures and it has certainly shown the growth that the members of Sherwood Baptist Church have had since their last picture (Facing the Giants), and not just financially. Here, they tackle the thing that is the foundation of every society throughout history: marriage.

Here is the synopsis from the film's website:

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave your partner behind. At home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules.

Growing up, Catherine Holt always dreamed of marrying a loving, brave firefighter...just like her daddy. Now, after seven years of marriage, Catherine wonders when she stopped being "good enough" for her husband.

Regular arguments over jobs, finances, housework, and outside interests have readied them both to move on to something with more sparks.

As the couple prepares to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day experiment: "The Love Dare." Wondering if it's even worth the effort, Caleb agrees-for his father's sake more than for his marriage. When Caleb discovers the book's daily challenges are tied into his parents' newfound faith, his already limited interest is further dampened.

While trying to stay true to his promise, Caleb becomes frustrated time and again. He finally asks his father, "How am I supposed to show love to somebody who constantly rejects me?"

When his father explains that this is the love Christ shows to us, Caleb makes a life-changing commitment to love God. And with God's help he begins to understand what it means to truly love his wife.

But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever...rescuing his wife's heart.

This was a very enjoyable and inspiring film that I think most Christians will like. Divorce is rampant in our society and the church is no exception. This film's message of remaining with your partner through every trial is something that everyone could stand to hear. It also paints a lovely view of salvation as Caleb learns to love his wife "as Christ loved the church", unconditionally.

This is not to say that this is first-class moving making. While Kirk Cameron was solid in his role as Caleb and a few other actors were surprisingly good (Ken Bevel as Michael Simmons), it is obvious that most of the actors are amateurs. It also suffers from what I think of as POJS: "Prayer of Jabez" Syndrome. Remember how a few years back everyone was praying the "Prayer of Jabez" because we were told that if you did, God would suddenly give you more in life? Well, both Fireproof and Facing the Giants suffer from a bit of this by seemingly representing that if you do this one thing (The Love Dare or praising God through good and bad), your life will suddenly become sunny. This isn't to say that the thing shouldn't be done, just that we can't do it just to gain something from God. And though the film's message is sincere, it can be heavy-handed and often lacking in the subtle beauties of films like Bella.

But ultimately, this is definitely a film that I think everyone should see. It's portrayal of the beauty and worth of a marriage grounded in Christ is something our broken world needs desperately.

*As a single, I found that I couldn't quite relate to the film like my parents and other married couples. There are, however, many principles that singles can apply not just in the future, but right now.

• All relationships, whether with family, friends, or God, require work and commitment. No relationship should be based on feelings, but rather on a conscious decision to show the love of Christ to someone else.
• Our relationship with God affects all of our other relationships. If we are lacking in that ultimate relationship, it will show.
• The sin in our lives affects those around us. We are never just hurting ourselves when we sin.
• Waiting on God doesn't mean that we sit around doing nothing. We must continue serving Him whatever the situation.
• Those who boast usually get brought down a notch or two.
• Feed the man. You'll notice in the film that Caleb and Catherine's first 2 arguments start because she didn't feed him. I'm telling you from personal experience with my dad, things usually go better in life if you keep the man fed!