Stepping Stone: Childhood

Stepping Stone: Childhood

Some of our earliest stepping stones are formed in childhood, when we first become aware of the world beyond our immediate experience. This stepping stone marks the moment I began to understand the profound impact of geography, language, and circumstance on human potential.

The Awakening of Awareness

As a child, I noticed the brands others wore, the toys they owned, and the experiences they enjoyed. Jealousy would creep in when I saw what others had that I didn't. Yet even in these early moments of comparison, the seeds of perspective were being planted.

As I grew, I realized that my environment had granted me privileges I didn't earn. Living in a country with relative stability, speaking a language with global reach, and having access to education and opportunity were not universal experiences.

According to the Bible, when we recognize our advantages, we're called to steward them wisely rather than claim victimhood when we face obstacles.

The Victimhood Trap

I've observed how easily we slip into victimization narratives when we fail: "It's difficult for me because..." We focus on our challenges while ignoring our advantages. Meanwhile, in many parts of the world, people face systemic corruption that keeps generations trapped in poverty with virtually no path to advancement.

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10)

This scripture reminds us that our perspective on resources, whether we view them as abundant or scarce, shapes our approach to life and opportunity.

The Privilege of Perspective

The statement "You don't need money to be happy" is often made by those who have never known true scarcity. When you're wondering where your next meal will come from, happiness feels like a luxury reserved for others.

"Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 30:8-9)

The Bible doesn't ignore the reality that extreme poverty creates suffering that tests faith and spirit.

Risk and Faith

Learning to take risks for opportunity requires a foundation of security that many in the world simply don't have. When your basic needs are met, you can afford to fail and try again. When failure means death, risk becomes exponentially more dangerous.

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

God judges our risk-taking and stewardship according to what we've been given, not by a universal standard. It's important to acknowledge that the consequences of risk look very different depending on our circumstances.

The Company of Misery

"Misery loves company" is a biblical truth. It's easier to complain about our circumstances than to take responsibility for changing them. It's simpler to gather with others who validate our victimhood than to surround ourselves with those who challenge us to grow.

"Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" (1 Corinthians 15:33)

The company we keep either lifts us toward gratitude and growth or reinforces our sense of victimhood and limitation.

Failure as a Stepping Stone

Successful people have failed more times than most have even tried. This truth is easier to embrace when failure doesn't threaten your survival.

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes." (Proverbs 24:16)

When you have a safety net like family, resources, systems that offer second chances, then you can afford to learn from failure.

Faith as the Great Equalizer

Perhaps the most profound lesson is that faith in God transcends circumstance. While privilege provides advantages, faith provides perspective. It reminds us that our ultimate security isn't in wealth or status but in something eternal.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33)

This doesn't negate the reality of privilege and disadvantage, but it reframes our understanding of where true eternal security and fulfillment come from.

Lessons

This stepping stone taught me to:

As I continue my journey, this stepping stone reminds me that awareness of privilege isn't meant to create guilt but to inspire gratitude, responsibility, and compassion for those whose lives are more difficult by circumstances beyond their control.