Speaking in February of 2023 to “Fox and Friends Weekend” as Lent began, Christian actor Mark Wahlberg opened up on when it was that God called him, then going on to note that his relationship with the Lord is what has led to his incredible opportunities as an actor.
Speaking on the matter, Wahlberg explained that his faith helped him turn his life around when he needed a change from the path wrought by his very humble beginnings and troubled youth. He said, “[The faith] part of the discipline has really afforded me all the other wonderful things in my life, my family, my career, being able to turn my life around. I grew up from very humble beginnings, obviously had a troubled youth.”
Continuing, Wahlberg explained that it was as he decided to turn his life around as a young man that he felt God calling him, saying, “Once I realized that God was calling me and really wanting to help me and turn my life around, and knew that I had potential. Once I started to become more disciplined, really, the world became full of opportunity. So, I just want to share that with people and their own. But just being the best versions of themselves.”
That’s when the host, Rachel Campos Duffy, asked if there was any specific moment where he felt God calling him back to the faith. Responding, he said, “There’s been many things, you know, I would have to say becoming a parent, becoming a husband, certainly. We talked about my youth and that sort of thing. But I think it’s getting older. And, here’s the great thing. Every year you get an opportunity for a reset. We’re all still weak in the flesh. We just want to be closer to God and more like God.”
Wahlberg also took the opportunity, as the Lenten season was then beginning, to call on his fellow Christians to think of a way to celebrate Lent and honor the Lord that is more impactful than a small gesture, such as giving up candy. “Everybody knows what God wants to attach them from and, replacing bad habits with good habits,” he began.
He continued, “So, it’s really between you and God, what you decide to give up or what you decide to do more of. I think sometimes, people can give up candy, but it’s a lot more powerful and a lot more impactful to give your time to somebody else and just to give more and do more, even a kind word and a smile. You never know how far that will go with somebody who’s going through some really difficult.”
Wahlberg also spoke out about how he sees people as deeply desiring religion and spirituality in their lives, saying, “They’re thirsty and hungry for comfort, and guidance and also companionship with one another. So it’s been amazing. You can tell, people are really hungry and they need spirituality in their lives. You can’t really have spirituality without religion, even though it’s been separated. You know, we all know that, it all goes hand-in-hand. We all need to encourage and support each other.”
Watch him here: