Denzel considered becoming a preacher himself. He said in 1999, "A part of me still says, Maybe, Denzel, you're supposed to preach. Maybe you're still compromising. I've had an opportunity to play great men and, through their words, to preach. I take what talent I've been given seriously, and I want to use it for good."
In 1995, he donated $2.5 million to help build the new West Angeles Church of God in Christ facility in Los Angeles. Washington says he reads the Bible daily.
His faith was evident in the recent commencement address he brought at Dillard University. The five points of his address were great advice for the students and for anyone who wants to make an impact with their life.
Put God first. "Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It's a gift...I didn't always stick with Him, but He stuck with me."
Fail big. "Don't be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals, are just dreams. And they ultimately fuel disappointment. I try to give myself a goal every day, sometimes it's just not to curse somebody out."
You'll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse. "I don't care how much money you make, you can't take it with you. It's not how much you have, it's what you do with it."
While you're on your knees in the morning, say thank you. "Say thank you in advance for what is already yours. True desire in the heart for anything good is God's proof to you sent beforehand that it's already yours".
When you get it, reach back, pull someone else up. "Each one, teach one. Don't just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference."