What Christians can learn from nepo babies

I love a good Channel 4 documentary and so I gave in to my curiosity when I saw the title of a new one: The Truth About Nepo Babies: How I Faked An Art Career. Perhaps I’ve been under a rock, because I had never heard of this viral phrase until this documentary.

Nepo baby: ‘…a child of a famous or successful parent, whose own success is believed to be due to their family connections.’ It’s likely a few names and faces have sprung to mind. Perhaps the likes of Brooklyn Beckham or Kendall Jenner.

Phoenix Chi who hosts the documentary is herself, a nepo baby. 

Phoenix Chi who hosts the documentary is herself, a nepo baby. As the daughter of Spice Girl Mel B, she is the beneficiary of a famous last name. She further proves this by holding a fake art exhibition to display her smiley-face paintings. Will the genuine talent that’s supposedly required in the art world outweigh her famous connection? Predictably, no. An art evaluator tells Phoenix the value of her paintings will go up based solely on who her mum is, and even though the press has a field day mocking her ‘art’, she is still offered multiple apprenticeships. Point proven – names hold weight.

Whilst Phoenix appears to be grounded and aware of how fortunate she is, the same cannot be said for the privileged children who claim to be ‘self-made’.

But is that such a bad thing? Yes, according to the social media courtroom. Whilst Phoenix appears to be grounded and aware of how fortunate she is, the same cannot be said for the privileged children who claim to be ‘self-made’. For those who oppose this particular brand of nepotism it’s simple, there are those who work their whole lives and never “make it”, and then there are nepo babies. This seems unfair. So why, upon watching this documentary did I feel encouraged? What could a Christian possibly learn from a nepo baby? Whether they admit or not, nepo babies know there is power in a name. And we, as believers bear the most powerful one.

Jesus, the most famous Man that walked the earth has the name above all other names. He doesn’t just hold the key to a city, He holds the keys of death. This is influence. Whilst some boast about getting a V.I.P ticket to a concert, Jesus gets us a backstage pass with the Creator. He escorts us to the golden gates and tells security, “It’s OK, they’re with Me.” He is the greatest co-sign, ever.

In the world, being self-made and working your way up to the top is commended. In the Kingdom of God, it’s the opposite. No amount of good works will get you into heaven. No amount of talent will get you on to the guest list. Entrance is solely based on who your Father is but this is good news! Because anyone who trusts in the finished work of Jesus, can become a child of God.

However, like the children of the rich and famous, bearing the family name invites persecution. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” And so, we are not called to fit in with a world that hates our Saviour, we are called to embrace our cross. This is not an easy ask, particularly to those for whom martyrdom is a real possibility. So we must pray for our siblings who live in the most dangerous places to be a Christian, for the brave ones who by laying down their lives, take up their cross and proclaim, “This is family business.”

I am not arguing that nepotism is a direct reflection of the Kingdom of God but rather appreciating how this documentary pointed me to a greater truth – of the pressure, power, and privilege of bearing Jesus’ name. I can boldly enter the most exclusive place in the universe – the very throne room of God – not on my own merit but because I have a connection in the Highest Place – I call on the name that saves.

So, you might catch me smiling any time I hear the term ‘nepo baby’. I’m a Christian ‘nepo baby’, and proud of it.