Faith & Family Business
Confirming you're on the right path (2 Samuel 5:9-12)
Welcome to my third Faith and Family Business series, focusing on the Biblical King David. David’s story explores a full range of emotions and experiences in life, offering insights about ourselves and others in work and family. My hope is that your own faith, family, and understanding of your family business will be enriched by considering David's story.
David, at just 30 years of age, has been proclaimed King of Israel. But the city of Jerusalem wasn’t yet under his control, so he battled for it and won.
And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him. And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. (2 Sam. 5:9-12)
The capture of Jerusalem was a seminal moment in David’s ascension as King. The city was even named “the city of David.” He improved the city and built his house there. Looking back, David had been on a journey involving battles, betrayal, self-imposed exile, and significant loss. But through it all, he had a sense that he was doing what God wanted, that he was following God’s path, and he finally felt a sense of confirmation.
In our families and family businesses, it is sometimes hard to know whether we are on the right path. Family business partners struggle with determining how best to grow the business, or whether to bring family members back, or when to hand off responsibilities to the next generation, or even knowing when it is time to sell, divide, or exit the business. It’s hard because the choices don’t affect just us. Our families, our employees and their families, and even the community — God’s people — are impacted.
Has the right path for your family business ever been unclear to you? After you chose a direction, what indications did you receive that you were on the right (or wrong) track?