Friends' Favorites - By Invitation

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.
Romans 14:1-4 The Message Bible

Have you ever been in a Round Table discussion wondering what in the world the person across from you was doing in that meeting? There were no discernible analogous interests or skills and yet, they were there...by invitation. Did it make you question why you were there?

Have you ever been seated at an ambassador's table or another dignitary's table? Were you properly prepared with regard to particular protocol? What, if anything, did you have to offer? What value did you bring to the matters at hand? Did they even consider discussing anything other than trivial matters, yet still tried to draw a response from you? Did you feel out of place?

In the business world today, potential employers want to know what you bring to the table. What is it you offer that is considered value-added to their company? In order to mesh with the potential new boss, you must try to assess who they are and what they're about and just what exactly it is that they're looking for. Many times, the answers are accessible via the Internet before you arrive for your meeting. However, you must be careful in your research. It may appear that they're looking for a certain type of skillset, when in all actuality they have quite enough of that one and are looking for someone with a totally different perspective or plan of action.

The common denominator is that you were invited to all three. Just like you are invited to the Lord's table. Are you concerned about protocol or what you will bring? Not to worry. God's Holy Spirit will guide you and God Himself has given you all you need. He offers you His robe of righteousness for proper attire. Yes, He has prepared it for you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23). Don't worry about who is at the table. Keep your eyes on the Host! 

Please - Won't you be seated?

Prayer:

Father,
          Help us to focus only on answering Your invitation when You call. Let us be instant to respond. Build our faith and trust in You, O God, that You have us exactly where You want us to be - no matter what it looks like or who is sitting there. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen