Isn’t it funny how life works? Actor Brad Pitt claims leaving “religion” behind helped him discover who his is. And yet, for millions of people around the world, entering a life of faith accomplished the same thing.
What fascinates me about this graphic (found on an atheist Internet community) is Pitt’s words about the “comfort” of “religion” (a word I dislike – it carries a ton of negative baggage).
I’m a serious follower of Jesus of Nazareth, who many people believe is the Son of God. Is my faith in Jesus a comfort? Of course it is. Just as a fat bank account or a prestigious career or a trophy spouse is a comfort for many others.
I’m comforted knowing that because I believe in and follow Jesus, His sacrificial death on a cross wipes my slate clean with the creator of the universe. God no longer sees the bad things I’ve done and the good things I’ve failed to do. He sees me as He sees Jesus – “in Him there is no sin” wrote one of His earliest followers .
But there’s something very uncomfortable about that, too. If I take what Jesus did for me seriously, then I’ll want to live up to His remarkable gift. I’ll want to welcome Jesus into my life so He can guide me away from bad behaviour and towards doing good.
You might think that’s easy to do and why on earth would I need Jesus to pull it off? I’ll tell you why: because it’s NOT easy to do. I miss the mark, of being the kind of person God knows I can be, so often that I don’t even realize it. And so does every other person on this planet.
It’s like we live blindfolded, believing everything our culture tells us, thinking we look so cool and “together” when, in God’s eyes — and He knows you and me better than we ever could — we are stumbling around like drunken fools.
That’s one part of the “discovery of self” that Brad Pitt mentioned. The other part is this: as a follower of Jesus, I know that God loves me more than my wife, more than my parents, more than my stepkids. More than all of them put together. That’s pretty remarkable, especially as most of us (whether we acknowledge it or not) live with a harsh critic in our heads.
Think hard about this: how often do you put yourself down? Do you even recognize all those occasions? Then consider this: God knows all your shortcomings. All the bad things you’ve done and the good things you’ve failed to do. Yet He loves you. And loves you so much that He offers you the gift of His son. All you have to do is accept it.
If you do accept that gift with a sincere heart (not just as a way to avoid judgement when this life ends), then you’ll start on a journey of self-discovery that will leave Brad Pitt’s in the dust.
Agree? Disagree? Post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
I’m with you, Frank. Self-realization can only fully happen when we turn to God and trust in His ways. He knows us and loves us better, to paraphrase you, than anyone else in our lives possibly could.
He has a plan for each of us, one that we can only realize when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and choose to follow Him.
Blessings to you and thanks for always brightening my Saturdays!
Thanks, as always, for the kind words and support, Martha. So nice to have a consistent reader. 🙂
Well Said. And so true.
great article frank….i do understand brad pitt’s comments a tad though…he grew up in the extreme fundamentalist south which leaving that ‘philosophy’ probably has driven him closer to the truth at this stage of his life….like cs lewis and gk chesteron wrote about a tonne…’the honest struggling soul who leaves toxic religion is probably two steps closer now then if they would have stayed around and shut their brains off…’ (my paraphrase but pretty close 🙂 ) ….not trying to be a devil’s advocate here but i get this thinking, pitt’s, from so many wounded souls in the south…don’t be surprised if he turns it around towards Christ…
That’s awesome, I can say one thing- I always enjoyed watching Brad Pitts. And to say he is a Christian now (or has been for a while) that publicly shows a deeper commitment, goodness.
I’ve been a Christian for 6 years now, I’m 21. There’s no going back, my life has changed and it’s all because of God. It would be silly to go back to bondage when Jesus paid the penalty. Mr. & Mrs. Smith – incredible movie! Thanks Brad for the things your allowing God to do in your life, it’s worth it. Matthew 6:33
Hi Eric: Uh, I’m not sure you read the graphic or the essay thoroughly. Brad Pitt is NOT a Christian, sadly.
Hi Eric: I really get what Brad Pitt is saying about leaving the comfort of religion. Too often we get so caught up in the rituals with pomp and circumstances instead of focusing on the actual relationship with Christ.
My way of getting away from the comfort of religion was joining a non-denominational church that was more focused on my relationship with Jesus than my position in the church or how fancy I dressed for church and the car I drove. Thank you for writing this article. It has made me remember again why I love my church. Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, TX with pastors John Hagee and Matthew Hagee is such a huge blessing to me. ♥♡♥♡