Fireproof

OK. So there is this movie coming out tomorrow that represents two of the things I love. No not firemen and big explosions. My marriage and churches using film/video to glorify God.

Fireproof is the newest movie from Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. The same people who brought Facing the Giants to the big screen. Fireproof is a story about a fireman who has become a hero in his community while his marriage is burning down around him. His father encourages him to wait 40 days before filing for divorce and read a book called The Love Dare. There is emotion for the ladies; action for the men; and most of all, love of God.

Let’s face it; we have major challenges in this country. A lot of challenges. And I would venture to guess that you can draw a line back to the root of each and every one of those challenges and find that they are caused by the skyrocketing failure of marriages and subsequently the systemic disassembling of the family unit.

Next weekend Kristi and I will celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary. And I look back and thank God for getting us this far. How did we survive the battles of early marriage and the sins that crept in? The hopelessness and sense of failure with infertility. The frustration and emotion of adoption. There is only one way we could have made it through this with out being totally burned. God, the ultimate fireproofing. He will protect you and your marriage as long as you keep going to Him for protection.

Next to God, my marriage is the most important thing in my life. And that relationship with God is the same relationship I must have with my wife. I believe in and love God unconditionally. I don’t say, “…well God if you do this, I’ll love you a little longer.” I just love.

But how often do we as spouses say, “I will if you will.” We pile on the conditions. When we should be remembering, understanding and practicing unconditional love.

Fireproof was made primarily with a volunteer team of 1,200 (there were a few compensated technicians for safety and quality reasons.) That is out of a congregation of just over 2,000. Everyone found their place to volunteer their time and serve. The cast (including Kirk Cameron of Growing Pains fame), the make-up, the lighting, the set dressing, the audio, the catering, the child care, the props, all volunteered their time over the two month shoot. Talk about the Big Serve. Those 1,200 people will now have influenced the lives of millions of people around the world who see this movie. The math is staggering; Two months + 1,200 volunteers = millions touched by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

I encourage everyone to see this movie. If you are married, make sure you see it with your spouse. If you are not married, go with a family member or friend. Watch how unconditional love really is all you need. Be inspired by the commitment and sacrifice of brothers and sisters in Christ who are taking their ministry of media outside the walls of the church to “change the world.”