Faith & Family Business
Divided loyalties in the family business (1 Samuel 19:1-3)
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.
Last week’s reflection focused on King Saul’s attempt to sabotage David by sending him into battle. That didn’t work out, because David keeps winning! So Saul orders David’s killing outright.
And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted much in David. And Jonathan told David, “Saul my father seeks to kill you. Therefore be on your guard in the morning. Stay in a secret place and hide yourself. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak to my father about you. And if I learn anything I will tell you.” (1 Sam. 19:1-3)
Remember that Jonathan has a close friendship with David. Upon hearing his father’s intentions, Jonathan chooses that friendship over his father — his family. As the king’s son, he probably stands to gain much if David disappears. But he puts his loyalty to a friend in front of his own self-interest as an heir. The choice is significant: Jonathan’s warning changes the trajectory of the kingship.
Sometimes we face similar claims of competing and contrary loyalties in the family business. The legacy, longevity, or even survival of the business might conflict with the necessary care for the family. The need and appreciation for a key employee seems to compete with the love for a family member. Or the attention toward an in-law is at odds with the expected loyalty of a biological relative. These situations are not so easily framed as right or wrong; either choice has real and difficult consequences. Someone will be disappointed.
Have you ever felt torn between two loyalties in your family business? How did you address that concern, and did your approach serve you well?