When our goals destroy

King David, unable to find a way to cover up his role in Bathsheba’s pregnancy, decides to have her husband, Uriah, killed. So Joab, a key general in David’s army, places Uriah at a vulnerable spot on the battlefield. Uriah and a number of other soldiers die. Joab sends a messenger to tell David of the news.

David said to the messenger, “Thus shall you say to Joab, ‘Do not let this matter displease you, for the sword devours now one and now another. Strengthen your attack against the city and overthrow it.’ And encourage him.” (2 Sam. 11:25)

As commander-in-chief, King David should be greatly concerned with preserving his soldiers’ lives. But to cover up his relationship with Bathsheba, David kills Uriah and sacrifices other loyal soldiers along the way. He schemes with Joab to play down the event, taking a shockingly understated attitude toward the loss of life. David has become singularly focused on his own goal, not God’s — no matter the cost.

Sometimes our goals in a family business can become similarly all-consuming and destructive. We pursue growth, profit, market share, stature, recognition, a particular lifestyle, or even family harmony or the avoidance of conflict, in ways that end up harming those around us. We pursue our vision of success sometimes at the cost of relationships, sometimes at the cost of our own soul.

Have you ever experienced the negative consequences of an all-consuming goal? What people or practices might help you stay balanced in your approach and focused on God’s intent?