While millions of Americans watch Hollywood's awards shows, millions of others don't even bother to tune in. Many, most of them on the political right, have no interest in watching self-congratulatory Hollywood elitists, surrounded by their like-minded friends, stand on their soapboxes and rip their political opponents. However, not all Hollywood stars behave in this manner, and, at times, millions of people miss out on an acceptance speech that is truly worth hearing.
Last night, as MTV hosted its 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards, an event where fans of Hollywood celebrities bestow their pop culture heroes with various honors for their roles in hit movies and TV shows, one actor surprised viewers and fans with a speech that actually mattered. It wasn't demeaning. It wasn't angry. It wasn't about politics. It wasn't even about the president. Instead, it was hopeful, about life, character, and the Gospel.
Chris Pratt, known for his acting roles in the Marvel Universe, Jurassic World, and the television series Parks and Recreation, received MTV's Generation Award, an award given to "an artist who has shown us a variety of impressive roles, a personal and professional flair and of course, an awesome level of talent."
In his speech, with a little bit of humor mixed in, Pratt gave the next generation nine lessons that they should take to heart.
1. Breathe. If you don't you'll suffocate.
2. You have a soul. Be careful with it.
3. Don't be a turd. If you're strong, be a protector. And if you're smart be a humble influencer. Strength and intelligence can be weapons. And do not wield them against the weak. That makes you a bully. Be bigger than that.
4. When giving a dog medicine, put the medicine in a little piece of hamburger. They won't even know they're eating medicine.
5. Doesn't matter what it is, earn it. A good deed. Reach out to someone in pain. Be of service. It feels good and it's good for your soul.
6. God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that. I do.
7. If you have to poop at a party, but you're embarrassed because you're going to stink up the bathroom, just do what I do. Lock the door. Sit down. Get all the pee out first, okay? And then once all the pee's done, poop. Flush. Boom. You minimize the amount of time that the poop is touching the air. 'Cause if you poop first, it takes you longer to pee. Then you're peeing on top. It's stirring it up. The poop particles create a cloud. It goes out and then everyone in the party will know that you pooped. Just trust me. It's science.
8. Learn to pray. It's easy and it's so good for your soul.
9. Nobody is perfect. People are going to tell you, you're perfect just the way you are. You're not. You are imperfect. You always will be. But there is a powerful force that designed you that way. And it loves you. And if you're willing to accept that, you will have grace. And grace is a gift. And like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else's blood, do not forget it. Don't take it for granted.
Take out the humorous bits, and Pratt gives seven essential rules for the next generation to follow. While points three and five focus on a person's character and work ethic, two, six, eight, and nine are about one's spiritual life and faith in God, as well as the salvation that God provides.
In just a few short points, Pratt was able to tell his young fans to use their strengths and talents for good, not evil, that they should work hard to earn everything they want in life, and that they should be kind and focus on serving others.
But most importantly, Pratt told those in attendance and the millions of people watching across the country that they have a soul, that there is a God who loves them, and that, though they are imperfect and will always be imperfect, God has extended His gift of grace to all of them and that this gift came at a cost. In less than four minutes, Pratt delivered the entire Gospel message.
If one doesn't know who Pratt is referring to when he says, "And like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else's blood," he is talking about Jesus.
Chris Pratt is the role model that the upcoming generation needs, and this speech solidifies that. It didn't draw attention to himself or politics. It didn't boast; it didn't tear people down. In just a few rules, Pratt detailed how people can make a difference in the lives of others, and that faith can, and will, make a difference in theirs.
The four previous winners of the Generation Award include Mark Wahlberg (2014), Robert Downey, Jr. (2015), Will Smith (2016), and The Fast and the Furious franchise (2017).
Watch Chris Pratt's full speech below.