There’s a common desire in many young people to prove themselves without relying on their parents or the community that nurtured them. They want to carve out their own paths, often downplaying the role their upbringing played in shaping who they are. This desire is understandable but often misguided. The Bible reminds us of the importance of honoring our parents and recognizing that no one truly builds alone. God gives us our families and communities as a foundation to stand on. Denying their influence can blind us to the blessings they provide and the role they play in our success.
A recent example is Malia Obama, who chose to professionally go by “Malia Ann” in her filmmaking career. Her decision was driven by a desire to have her work judged independently, free from the influence of her famous family name. While this can be admirable, her father, Barack Obama, humorously reminded her, “You do know they’ll know who you are.” It’s a subtle reminder that no matter how much we try to separate ourselves, our roots and the support of those who came before us remain a part of our journey. There’s no shame in acknowledging this; in fact, it is a gift from God.
As Christians, we are reminded that life is not about “earning” our way alone. Just as we depend on Christ for our salvation, we also depend on the people and opportunities God has placed in our lives. Instead of rejecting their influence, we should embrace it, recognizing that we are building on the foundation others have laid. Like Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:10, “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.” God’s design is for us to honor the past, contribute to the present, and prepare the way for those who come after us.
