Learning from David’s life

Over the last five months, we’ve reflected on David’s journey from shepherd to warrior to fugitive to king; from first being praised and then being hunted by a tormented King Saul; from marrying Saul’s daughter to losing his best friend (and King Saul’s son) Jonathan. Before going further in the story of David’s life, let’s consider a few lessons.

1. Like the chapters about David in the Bible, our lives also have distinct chapters, bookmarked by relationships, events, celebrations, and even losses. If you divided your life into chapters, how many would there be? What title would you give each chapter?

2. Our responses to the events and opportunities around us both demonstrate and refine aspects of our character. Recall David’s courage in fighting Goliath, how he mourns to the death of Saul even after being hunted by him, how he celebrates his kingship by praising God, or how he deals generously with Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth, when there was no clear advantage in doing so. How has your character, or the character of others in your family business, been defined through or by the varied situations you’ve faced?

3. Wisdom for life abounds in God’s Word. When I started this newsletter in 2021 with the story of Jacob and Esau, I wasn’t sure whether I could find Biblical lessons for families in business, rooted in a particular story, week after week. But here we are, 18 months later and five months into David’s story — and we haven’t even gotten to Bathsheba yet! What are the lessons you’ve learned from your own reading of the Bible? How do you apply them to your life, to your vocation?

The freedom to send or read these newsletters about faith and family business was won by the men and women who fought and died for our country. Please remember them and their families this weekend.