Something that has transformed how I function in life is when I decided to review every judgment I make; instead of putting that judgment on others, I make a change in my own actions.  All while trying to rid myself of all judgments completely, which is a work in progress.

I have watched the movie War Room numerous times.  Not because the plot is exciting or that one particular thing in the film is life-changing.  I watch it because for me, there are so many hidden gems within the movie.  So many subtle ways to change our actions to improve the results we achieve.  Simple, but not necessarily easy changes to implement. 

How perfect is comparing a cup of coffee to someone’s prayer life?  Unconvincing as that seems, the movie pulls off a dramatic comparison when Miss Clara asks the woman she’s mentoring, Elizabeth, if her prayer life is hot or cold.  Elizabeth replied that it was not hot or cold. 

Moments later, Miss Clara serves Elizabeth a room-temperature cup of coffee.  After sipping the coffee, she asks Miss Clara,  Don’t you like your coffee hot? Indeed, I do! I like my coffee hot, the same way Jesus likes our prayer life.  Jesus does not like lukewarm.

Miss Clara asks Elizabeth what one thing she would change?  Her answer was a better marriage.  Stating that the only thing they do well is fight.  Clara’s response changes Elizabeth’s perspective and her actions. 

Arguing doesn’t mean we fight well or that we feel like we won.  Clara asks how often she prays for her husband, and the reply was very little.  The story clarifies that we are not here to fight against others, but to fight for them, to pray for them.

After realizing her daughter was struggling with the family dynamics, Elizabeth asked her if she understood how much they love her.  Unsure of how to respond, she asked her mom several simple questions that quickly changed Elizabeth’s actions.  What are my team’s colors?  Name the trick I learned last week.  What award did I recently win?  

According to Miss Clara, it is not our job to fix, but to love, respect, pray, and get out of the way.  The movie covers marriage, kids, stealing, infidelity, quality time, grace, prayer, and much more.  Letting go of the distractions and disruptions that divide us, the movie is a reminder of how to move through life in prayer, making changes in our actions, and ultimately moving closer to Jesus.

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