THE HIGH TOUCH OF CHRISTIANITY

(Acts 9:1-9)
A Message by Rev. Dr. Stanley Lim on 26th March 2000

Introduction

Author and futurist, John Naisbitt in his 1982 book, “Megatrends” first introduced an idea in a smallest chapter of that book, coining the term, “High tech, high touch” to emphasize the intrusive pace of technological change. Many who read his book considered that this “high tech, high touch” idea is the most important concept presented.

Now, 18 years later he comes out with his latest book, “High Tech, High Touch” explaining, developing and defining this concept.

So, what is “High Tech, High Touch”? Naisbitt says, “It is embracing technology that preserves our humanness and rejecting technology that intrudes upon it.

It is recognizing that technology is an integral part of the evolution of culture, the creative product of out imaginations, our dreams and aspirations ‘ and that the desire to create new technologies is fundamentally instinctive.

But is also recognizing that art, story, play, religion, nature and time are equal partners in the evolution of technology because they nourish the soul and fulfill its yearnings. It is expressing what it means to be human and employing technology fruitfully in that expression. It’s appreciating life. It is knowing when we should push on technology, in our work and our lives, to affirm our humanity…

Naisbitt concludes that “High tech, high touch” is enjoying the fruits of technological advancements and having it truly sit well with our God, our church or our spiritual beliefs.

John Naisbitt puts it succinctly across to us that in recollecting our endeavors, past achievements and even great successes, our souls must be nourished through our right standing with God, the church and the Word of God. Hence, one’s search for true meaning begins with the experience of the High Touch from God.

Paul had such an experience as recorded in our text in Acts 9:1-9. We can consider Paul to have achieved a fair amount of success. He studied under Gamaliel, a top scholar of his time; he had quite a fair share of power and influence as well. He was given the authority to arrest Christians and to imprison them. One day, as he was journeying to Damascus, a bright light shone upon him. He fell to the ground and a voice spoke, “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?” I call this Damascus road phenomenon, a High Touch experience.

As I carefully examine the experience of Paul here, I come to the conclusion that High Touch incidences will follow when 3 things happen.

I.      YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE HIGH TOUCH OF GOD WHEN YOU ASK THE RIGHT QUESTION

Paul’s experience with the bright light and the voice that spoke caused him to ask 2 questions, which were relevant to him; “Who are you?” “What do you want me to do?”

The answers that came met his need and satisfied him at that moment. He could identify the first answer with the purpose of his journey to Damascus – to arrest anyone who professes to belong to Jesus. He could identify the second answer with who he really was – a man of action. There is an old phrase that the church in the early 70′s over use for promoting crusades and gospel meetings; “Jesus is the Answer”. But as I look back, I can truly say that it was really dumb of me that I did not ask at that time, “What was the question?”

Hence, doing counseling is most difficult in the Asian setting because generally Asians do not ask the right questions. Moreover, the Asian make-up is that we usually take a long detour telling stories which are irrelevant first then only when they are relaxed, with the counselor will they open up. This usually happens in most instances when the counselor poses the right questions after analyzing the situation as the counselled was relating the story.

II.     YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE HIGH TOUCH OF GOD WHEN YOU TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION OF OBEDIENCE

The scriptures declared that the Apostle Paul responded with immediate action – “Then Paul arose from the ground…” The prophet Samuel in rebuking King Saul for acting in the function of a priest said in 1 Sam. 15:22, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.”

III.    YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE HIGH TOUCH OF GOD WHEN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU

In 1994 while I was half way through completing my doctoral program Chicago, I enrolled in a course taught by a renowned professor and management consultant from North America. During one of his lectures, he invited his very good friend the former campaign manager of Jimmy Carter, Dr. Leon Finney. He spoke on the subject, “Church Management and Spirituality”. As a gifted charismatic orator, his opening remarks brought such an impact of the presence of God upon the entire class. I have not forgotten those anointed words that he uttered that day. “It does not bother me how long you have been serving God in the ministry, or how large a congregation you may have at this moment or even if you possess a string of titles attached after your name, if you do not have the empowering of the Holy Spirit upon you, you are nothing at all!”

Conclusion
The presence and power of the Holy Spirit upon the lives of every believer is so vital. Only the Holy Spirit can bring genuine change and transformation of hearts and lives. Only lives who are totally surrendered to the Holy Spirit will experience real and lasting change. Are you still struggling with your habits of sin? Are you frustrated with your own efforts to bring about change in your lives? Stop struggling and start co-operating with the Holy Spirit. He will bring you victory by creating a new heart that will follow wholly after God. Let go and let God take over and experience the High Touch of the Spirit today!!!