Choosing principle over pleasure
2 Samuel 11:10-11
Last week we focused on several bad decisions made by King David, resulting in the pregnancy of Bathsheba, a married woman. David then calls Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, home from battle, assuming that Uriah will sleep with her and cover up David’s role in her pregnancy. But Uriah doesn’t respond as David hopes.
When they told David, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?” Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” (2 Sam. 11:10-11)
Uriah has been away, fighting, and gets a chance to come home, eat well, and sleep in his own bed — with his wife. But that doesn’t sit well with him. His friends are in danger, still out in the field, fighting battles for David. Uriah is uncomfortable “taking it easy” while the country is at war. Demonstrating solidarity with the soldiers in battle, Uriah chooses to sleep outside of his house. In a word, Uriah chooses principle over pleasure.
Principles form the basis for action, and I encourage family business members to talk often about their guiding principles: the beliefs they hold about work, wealth, and family relationships. For example, some families articulate the importance of being willing to do any job they would ask of their employees. Some families talk about the principle of generosity and of giving back to the community that has supported their business. Some families make a point to avoid flashing their wealth or success. Some families stress the importance of family relationships, including the willingness to change the business, if continuing “as is” hurts their family.
Have you ever consciously made a choice to pursue a principle over something easier or more pleasurable? If you gathered your spouse and/or family members together to talk, what principles would emerge as guideposts for family behavior or decisions?