Faith & Family Business
Jacob, Esau, and Valuing the Gift (Genesis 25:34)
Welcome to my weekly Faith and Family Business reflections, where I (briefly) probe important questions that arise in family business – questions relating to behavior, relationships and legacy – from the angle of a Biblical story. For more information about this series, click here.
In last week’s reflection, I focused on Esau’s “gut” decision to give up his birthright in exchange for food. This week, I focus on the value of the family business.
“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank, and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his gift.” (Gen. 25:34)
Esau was the firstborn, the most prominent family position among siblings. However, he doesn’t value the gift he is to receive for his place in the family. In fact, after trading it away, he “despised” it. The birthright represents leadership, status, wealth, and legacy. But Esau doesn’t see it that way.
The modern family business, like the ancient birthright, is a valuable gift for many reasons. The business often provides a rewarding vocation for its participants. The business creates wealth, helping the owners and the local community through jobs, taxes, and donations. For many, the family business offers a way to serve others, including staff and customers. And, the family business provides the means to positively influence future generations of family members.
How has your family business been valuable to you? What can you do to help your family see and understand the value – the gift – of the family business?
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