A few years ago, I was invited to speak to a group of business executives on the subject of “high-tech touch.” It was hard work then, and it is the same today. However, it is important, and I want to share a few ideas.
There is no question that we live in a high-tech society. Only Rip van Winkle could have survived this technological revolution, and for the most part it was very good. Few of us want to use the past techniques or technologies.
Today, our world is made up of telecommunications, satellites, computer networks, fax machines, smartphones, robots, artificial intelligence, superstitious missiles, spacecraft, spacecraft, miracle drugs, the Internet, and so on. Like I said, it was usually very good.
The other day I saw a cartoon with a minister behind their chair and he said, “And now some scenes from next week’s sermon.”
But what is the danger or challenge of all this high technology? The danger or challenge is to believe that technology is the answer to life and that it will solve all our problems. The danger or temptation is to believe that technology somehow frees you from personal discipline and responsibility. And the danger or temptation is the loss of human value. Technology degrades humanity: it becomes more important than humans.
What did Jesus say? Jesus said in His temptation, “The Son of man shall not live by bread alone” (Luke 4: 4). Obviously, the implication here is more than life for technology.
Now, I can go on to point out some technology shortcomings, but I think the point is. Our task is to maintain a balance between the natural wonders of technology and the natural spiritual and physical needs of human beings. In other words, our job is to ensure human contact in the workplace. How do we do it?
First of all, respect! If we want to keep human touch in the workplace, we must respect and protect human beings! It was an advertisement explaining why a company was superior to others. The claim was: “It contains our precious substance.”
An invaluable element in God’s creation is man. I do not say this with pride, but with the Bible. Mankind was created “in the image of God,” a little lower than God, full of glory and honor. Respect for humanity must be part of the workplace DNA!
Second, reality! If we want to keep human touch in the workplace, we must appreciate the value of high technology but understand its weaknesses! I think it’s safe to say that we all want to be more efficient, and that technology is the way to go about it. But technology has its weaknesses and we must take them into account. Technology does not answer translation questions. And it does not answer community or ethical questions. Honesty is another key to having a good relationship in the workplace.
Third, responsibility! If we want to keep human touch in the workplace, we must take responsibility for our own! In my study, I had a book called Be God for God. That’s the idea!
Before concluding, let me give you a few examples.
A business organizes a wedding seminar for employees at lunchtime.
One school offers a thank-you note to the teachers.
The TV presenter tries to keep abandoned children in nice homes.
Helps a corporation find a former employee.
An executive recognizes a writer on a writer’s day.
The church hosts a staff party.
A business recognizes the superior work of its employees.
High tech, absolutely, but high tech always with human touch!
Pastor Hal Brady is the United States Minister of Methodist and Director General of the Atlanta-based Hal Brady Ministries. You can watch the Atlanta Religious Television preaching every Thursday at 8 p.m.
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