Relational Equity

“Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” – 1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV)

Do you have relational equity? Who do you turn to when you face crises?  How is it working for you? Do you have relational equity? Who do you turn to when you face crises?  How is it working for you?

When facing a personal or business crisis, nothing can be more helpful to the entrepreneur than capital. Though not all business and personal problems we face have to do with money, it does help to have enough of it when facing a crisis. Capital is essential in building and growing a company and navigating through a business crisis, without it businesses never get started and growing companies struggle to grow. When thinking of capital, entrepreneurs often limit it to financial capital but there is a type of capital that is more affordable to access than financial capital but yields an even greater return and that capital is relational capital. Relational capital is an asset that is acquired through relational equity which is solely based on the entrepreneur’s ability to invest in the people they will need especially before they really need them. Without relational capital building and growing a business becomes more expensive. The lack of relational equity also makes it almost impossible to navigate crises.

Who do you turn to when facing a crisis?

David was very distressed when he faced the crisis at Ziklag, he lost his family and all his material possessions. His team wanted to kill him. Can you imagine, losing everything you have including the people you love, and your own staff turn against you because they are blaming you for their losses? David cried until he did not have the strength to cry. Yes, it is ok to cry! Crying is a healer, it is a purifier of the soul. It is a reminder of our spiritual poverty and deep dependence upon God. Matthew 5:3 reminds us that blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. When faced with a crisis it is ok to cry!

Crying does not mean you are in despair but rather it means that you need God so much more. You are overwhelmed by the situation, you have tried everything but nothing has worked, and you are not sure what you are going to do. However, once you are done crying, you must turn to the Lord. That is exactly what David did, he turned to God.

“…But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” – I Samuel 30:6b

Reject the temptation to point the fingers, isolate yourself, or turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Instead, turn to God!. David not only turned to God but he found his strength in the Lord.

Your greatest relational equity is your relationship with God. Through Him you will be strengthened, you will find wisdom, you will be encouraged, and you will get a new perspective. Once you turn to God, turn to others who love you. Turn to your family, your friends, and y even your team. They will serve as your source of encouragement and comfort. Of course keep in mind that, unlike God, people may not always be as compassionate and trustworthy, so take their advice with a grain of salt.

Like any form of capital, however, you can not expect to tap into relational equity if you do not have it.

Do you have relational equity?

You must invest in relationships before you need it. How is your relationship with the Lord? How is your devotional and prayer life? How is your relationship with your family, your friends, and your team? How much do you invest in them? Remember whatsoever a man sows that he will reap (Galatians 6:7). Make sure you are making time for God and others so that when you face a crisis they will be there for you. You will be able to tap into the equity you’ve built to help you navigate the crisis.

My prayer for you is that God will give you the grace to invest in your relationship with Him and others so that you may have the relational equity needed to help you navigate the personal and business crises you face.