Actor Denzel Washington Tells Graduating Students: 'Put God First in Everything You Do'

In a recent commencement ceremony speech at a Louisiana university, actor Denzel Washington encouraged all students to "put God first" in their daily lives and decisions.

Washington, who has starred in such films as "Remember the Titans" and "Training Day," delivered the graduation speech to students at Dillard University in New Orleans on Saturday, focusing his speech on the importance of keeping God in one's life.

"Number one: put God first," Washington told the crowd of students, adding: "Put God first in everything you do."

"Everything I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It's a gift," he said.

"I pray that you put your slippers way under your bed tonight, so that when you wake up in the morning you have to get on your knees to reach them. And while you're down there, say thank you," he continued.

Washington also focused his speech on encouraging students not to rely too heavily on material possessions, telling them "You will never see a U-Haul behind a hearse."

The actor, who has also starred in "Man on Fire" and "The Manchurian Candidate," also encouraged the students to dream big in their professional lives and to settle for nothing less than their biggest goals.

"Today is the beginning of the rest of your life and you only live once, so do what you feel passionate about," the actor told the graduates, adding "Take chances, professionally. Don't be afraid to fail."