To Save A Life

Last night we was movie night. Randell did good with picking out a a good movie this time. (last time he picked Valentine's Day, I think to score points with me for watching a "girly movie", but it was just awful!) Anywho, this time he picked "To Save A Life" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvXktDeAEmU (trailer video also in previous post).

The movie was produced by the same producers of "Fireproof". We really didn't have much clue about what the movie was about, but it turned out to be a great movie. It's a movie that I think we will buy and save for when our kids are teens to use as a teaching tool.

The main jest of the movie is talking about how we can be in a few different categories:

* Those that don't care about church, have a bad taste in their mouth from going to church, was hurt one time or another by someone from the church, etc.

* Those that go to church because it "looks good" or they are made to go, but they are not really listening, growing, and challenging themselves to take what is taught back to "every day life" (school).

* Those that come from the first group and then learn about church, and help to start a movement.

The movie also shows a good description of what high school life can be with the different groups, people picking on others who are different, and just the roughness of being a teen.

I strongly think that this movie in every form (even the party scenes, cursing, and "real life" moments) SHOULD be shown to all teens. I am disturbed by the fact that most Youth Group Leaders though will never show this to their youth. Why? Because it shows what really goes on in the lives of teens today? Is it too real for you? Are you afraid that some of the youth might then take to partying, cursing, or living a life away from God? How sad that those insecurities could keep such a valuable lesson from the next generation. And how sad that you would/could not trust that God's will would be done and that he could speak into the life's of the youth.

Wouldn't it be wiser to show the film and then TALK ABOUT IT? Pointing out how the lifestyle that was being lived is not of God and is not desirable. Then going on to point out that it is just as much of a sin to proclaim that you are a Christian while continuing to talk about others behind their backs, judge others, make fun of others, etc. Because that is real life. I would rather know that my children are being taught these types of lessons etc also at church rather than going and playing the "silly games" to just pass the time.

Games are great, they are fun, and they help to draw people in. But where is the meat to your teachings if you are avoiding what is really of this world and is really hurting today's generations?

I HIGHLY encourage ALL to watch this movie. I would have to say that it is not appropriate for those under 15ish, and I really think that the parents should watch it with their teen so that conversations can blossom when the movie ends.

Life is Good, God is Great!