Faith & Family Business
Taking the high road (1 Samuel 24:10-11)
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.
After David escapes from King Saul with the help of Saul’s son Jonathan, the king chases David around the country. At one point, David is hiding in a cave and Saul enters, giving David the perfect opportunity to kill him. Instead of harming Saul, however, David cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe, then follows him out of the cave and calls out:
“Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the LORD gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’s anointed.’ See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it.” (1 Sam. 24:10-11)
David is being hunted by his father-in-law, who is now his enemy. But instead of capturing, hurting, or killing Saul, David shows restraint. He takes a higher road by acknowledging Saul’s importance to God, even calling Saul “father,” while pointing out that Saul’s rationale for chasing and killing him is unfounded. By not striking back, David lets powerful changes already afoot work in his favor and eventually lead to his kingship.
Taking the high road of non-retaliation — when the low road of retribution seems so much more fulfilling — is not encouraged in our culture. In fact, it often feels that unless we strike back, we are the losers. Even in families and family businesses, this idea of “getting even” can so poison the interaction between people that it leads to poor personal decisions, bad business strategy, high staff turnover, negative community relations, and even the split or failure of the business. The desire to get back at the family member who wronged you can lead to some pretty dark places for everyone…including you.
Have you ever felt the desire to get even with a family member? What “higher road” opportunity awaits you, or others, in your family business?