The day when Christ returns is coming. As we march closer to seeing that Day drawing near, it is clear that COVID 19 has hastened the use of high-tech.  We see it in every segment of our culture, education, religious and social life.  So much of our meeting time is now on ZOOM, Facebook or the internet.  High-tech is both a blessing and a curse which the Christian leader must understand and take positive actions to not let it overwhelm personal relationships.  In 1982, John Naisbitt wrote the first in a series of incredible books titled, “Megatrends” which was published in 57 countries and sold more than 14 million copies. He has published updated sequels every few years and even today in 2020 called “Megatrends: The Ten New Directions Transforming Our Lives.”  To say that high-tech is transforming our lives is an understatement.   Naisbitt has had one common caution.  It is that high-tech requires high-touch.

 
I am certain that the writer of Hebrews could never have had any vision or foresight into what we are experiencing today.  Yet, the words in our Scripture for this week are so appropriate and timely.  It places a huge responsibility on us as leaders to realize that high-tech does require high-touch.  True and lasting relationships are built on high-touch, not high-tech.  “Sheltering in place” has brought some families together and they should make this a permanent change.  For the most part, high-tech has separated us and removed the benefits of building personal relationships, communications, team building, eye and ear contact, and many more direct and elbow to elbow person-to-person interactions.  Our churches are impacted as well.  Most certainly, we must stay safe, consider personal risks and health issues and be understanding of those who cannot congregate.  There is a great fear that our churches are changed forever and that the consumer, mentality, will continue to increase.  Church on the sofa or in the recliner with a cup of coffee will never be the same as church in God’s house with God’s people.  Ministry of God’s people working together is important just as our personal relationship with Christ is high-touch, not high-tech.  Remember this, “There are no Lone Ranger Christians.”  God made us for high-touch in His image.