Fireproof

I am sure that most of you heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in Sunday School when you were young.  I thought of this story recently when my wife and I went to see the movie Fireproof.  There is the obvious connection with the title.  But, there is a more subtle connection as well.  

In the Bible story, these men were instructed to bow to an idol created by the king.  The men would not bow.  As a result, they were threatened with the fiery furnace.  Their reaction showed the depth of their faith.  

"If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

The key line in their answer is, "But if not...we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship..."  Their answer was not contingent on God's reaction.  They were not going to bow regardless of God's response or the consequences.  

In the movie Fireproof, the main character, Caleb Holt sets out to save his marriage by following the instuctions in a book his father has given him.  But, Caleb's heart is not in it.  Another way to say this is that Caleb's efforts are simply attempts to manipulate his wife's behavior.  His dedication to doing the things in the book ebbs and flows with his wife's reaction to his efforts.

It is only after Caleb dedicates himself to do the right thing, regardless of his wife's response, that his marriage starts to improve.  It is at this point that his wife starts to understand his real commitment. 

"Don't just follow your heart...Lead your heart!"