I’ve been working in a professional office for over three decades now. During those early years, folks were unencumbered by hi-tech communication technology. It was the best of times. Today however, folks are regularly glued to their Iphones even as they saunter into their offices, meandering over to the coffee pot like self absorbed zombies. Careful, they may stumble into you. Many things have changed, but not necessarily for the better.
Mannerisms had changed. Before there was an endless stream of information flowing from ones mobile device, we (well most of us) couldn’t wait to get into our place of vocation to see a familiar face, extending a formerly familiar greeting we used to know as “Good Morning”. To me, this can set the tone for the day. It’s like saying ‘I recognize you, I’m glad to see you, and I’m happy we work together’. At least that’s what I am usually thinking. This once celebrated precedent has been relegated to an often condescending afterthought.
Vocabulary has changed. Words have meaning. Words can build up and tear down. This has always been true. But everyone seems hung up on which words you’re “allowed” to use these days, lest you be shunned for outdated, insensitive language. It’s seems rather odd that the entirely unprofessional F-bomb has grown in popularity, as though it has magical properties which ward off further confusion or discussion. There are SO many more conducive words to use (I checked my dictionary/ thesaurus) which disseminate appropriate information rather than an intellectually lazy substitute. Let’s use them….please!
Wardrobes have changed. Gone are the suit and tie for the most part, in exchange for jeans and casual dress. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, however a certain degree of standards should be maintained, one would think. If you’re in a professional office, why not dress professionally? Button up that shirt, we don’t care to see your chest. Loosen that clothing, we don’t need to see every fold and ripple. Is that too old-fashioned?
Expectations have changed. Folks want it now and they want it fast. ‘Good things come to those who wait’ is no longer a viable axiom. Waiting, it seems, takes too long. It’s outdated and irrelevant. The almighty internet supplies all the self serving answers will we ever need at a moments notice, so it seems. Problem is, often the answers are cleverly packaged to emulate a truth birthed from an agenda. Genuine truth is either taken for granted or just plain manipulated into form without substance.
I believe many of us long for togetherness….without the aid of anything electronic. It’s in our DNA. I pray we will not lose a generation to the godless clay vessels of this world but instead hold fast to the Word of God, which IS true life. A cord of many strands is not easily broken, so let us stand strong and together for His glory. After all, what will a man (or woman) give in exchange for his or her soul? The god of this world is hardly worth it.
Good morning and good evening.
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15
Jim
True, but it’s for me I enjoy being light in a dark place....especially when I’m getting paid to do so. 😉