he of tFor Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg, faith is at the center of his life. And the Christian celebrity sat down for an interview on Ash Wednesday to discuss why Jesus is so important to him and his family!
Mark Wahlberg is no stranger to the limelight. He enjoyed success as a musician in the early 90s and has since established a long career as a respected Hollywood actor.
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But though plenty of people recognize Mark for his major movie roles, more and more are coming to recognize him as a Christian celebrity. And Mark Wahlberg never hesitates to share the true source of his net worth -- Jesus Christ!
Mark Wahlberg isn't shy about sharing his faith. He's regularly spoken out about how his daily routine includes prayer. And during the pandemic, Mark Wahlberg encouraged folks to turn to faith during the trying times.
He even felt a calling from God to share the inspiring testimony of Father Stuart Long with the world and so he funded the faith film himself!
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Indeed, Mark Wahlberg has credited his faith with turning his life around and saving him from the dark path he started down as a youth. So, when he sat down for an interview on Ash Wednesday, it's no surprise his faith became a huge part of the discussion!
Mark Wahlberg showed up for his interview on National TV with the cross in ashes on his forehead, a tradition of the Christian faith on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday kicks off the Christian season of Lent, and the ashes on the forehead symbolize two main things: death and repentance.
In addition to proudly displaying his ashes, Mark Wahlberg discussed the spiritual practice of fasting. Though fasting is typically associated with abstaining from food, Mark pointed out there are other ways to observe this spiritual practice.
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"There are many different elements to fasting," he explained. "And I think the important thing to understand is that if, first of all, if you have issues with food, there are other things. God knows the things that He wants you to detach from."
The idea is to detach from the things of this world that distract you from God and to "focus on good habits as opposed to bad habits." Mark is hoping to encourage people to be "spending more time with God in prayer or in thoughtful reflection."
Hearing someone so recognizable from Hollywood speaking out for Jesus is truly inspiring. And while Mark Wahlberg realizes Christianity is not popular in his industry, he refuses to deny his faith.
"I don’t want to jam it down anybody’s throat, but I do not deny my faith. That’s an even bigger sin," he explained. "It’s important for me to share that with people. But, I have friends from all walks of life and all different types of faiths and religions, so it’s important to respect and honor them as well."
Mark knows he owes everything he has to God. And so, despite the worldly influences all around him, the Christian celebrity recognizes his faith is "everything."
"The world affords you a lot of comforts but we're not made for comfort," he says. "We're made for greatness. And in order to be greatness, we've got to be in the fight to get the rewards."
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Amen to that! Clearly Mark Wahlberg has enjoyed lots of success in his career. But it's amazing to see that he hasn't lost sight of what really matters. May we all use whatever platform the Lord has given us to glorify God!
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear: having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ." 1 Peter 3:15-16
h/t: TODAY
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/Today
Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!