Dedication in the family business

Before Samson is born, his mother knows he’s coming because of her interaction with an angel, and she knows there are great expectations for him. Now she tells her husband, repeating to him Samson’s purpose:

Then the woman came and told her husband, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. I did not ask him where he was from, and he did not tell me his name, but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’” (Judges 13:6-7)

Samson is to be a Nazirite. The term comes from the Jewish word Nāzīr, which means to be “consecrated” or “separated,” and Nazirites lived by a set of vows, including abstaining from wine and not cutting their hair. Another Nazirite (although the term wasn’t explicitly used) was Samuel, also born to a barren mother. In recognition of their dedication, these Nazirites had great gifts. Samuel became a prophet, Samson had incredible strength. Neither Samson, or Samuel for that matter, chose their vocation. It had already been determined.

In the context of family business, Samson’s dedication causes two reflections. First, many families I know see their business as an expression of their dedication to God. A portion of their profits go to charitable or church-related causes; their time is often dedicated to serving others; the business is seen as a vehicle to teach others about God’s goodness. Second, and a bit more negatively, is that dedication, without balance or the right perspective, can turn into obsession, which in turn causes unhealthy behaviors. For example, “total” dedication to the business, or to any other initiative, to the exclusion of other pursuits, can cause your health, your family, your faith, or other parts of your life, to suffer.1

When you think of someone you know who is “dedicated” (from either a spiritual or secular standpoint), who comes to mind? What does dedication look like in your family or family business today, and how will future generations see your dedication?