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Denzel Washington Tells Graduates: 'Put God First'

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated May 11, 2015

Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington spoke at Dillard University’s commencement Saturday (May 9), leaving students with a message to keep God first in their lives. 

“Number one: Put. God. First,” Washington said, spacing out his words. 

He continued, “Put God first in everything you do. Everything I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift.”

The Blaze reports students cheered at the actor’s faith inspired message. 

Washington told the class of 2015 that 40 years ago, he was a student with a 1.7 grade point average when a woman at his mother’s beauty parlor told him he would “travel the world and speak to millions of people.” 

It turned out that the woman was right but he needed God throughout his life. 

“I didn’t always stick with him, but he’s always stuck with me. Stick with him in everything you do,” Washington told the students. 

The actor finished the 10-minute speech, saying, “Don’t just aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.”

Publication date: May 11, 2015