Today, I took a business colleague to lunch.

We ate Japanese, and had a simple meal.

Eating together is an integral part of business,

and has been from the dawn of time.

The origins of this are unclear.

Is it the trust, which comes from eating the same food?

Or historically, from drinking the same cup?

What ever it is, the meal facilitates the

process of getting to know and trusting one another.

However, business entertainment seems to be a matter of

"What's in it for me?"

And for celebrating agreements.

You had a different idea, Lord.

We read in the Scriptures that

"Some people entertained angels without knowing it". [1]

And that when we entertain and care for people in your name,

We do it unto you. [2]

Entertaining needs to be more than "amusement".

Quality entertainment is camaraderie and fellowship.

"My son, remember this when you come to my table.

Your dictionary defines camaraderie as

'Mutual trust and sociability of comrades.'

Come to my table as my guest.

I want to have fellowship with you.

Two-way fellowship, as between friends.

Then go out into the world and pass it on."

Lord, I thank you for being my best friend,

for inviting me to your table.

for entertaining me,

Yes, Lord, and for sealing your contract with a meal.

Accept my worship as the deepest expression of fellowship.

1.. Hebrews 13 v 2. 2.. Matthew 25 v 40. Copyright Howard Smith 2002. All Rights reserved. For comments or responses, please contact