Technology continues to take over.

According to some Apple loyalists, Apple products can send me messages from the future, form an alliance against me with my household appliances, and pay off my college loans in a flash.

That's ridiculous! Have you seen the tuition costs at Baylor?

Seriously, the arguments for those who say technology makes life more complicated seem weak as Apple and other manufacturers continue to innovate life and make it easier for those who love to wield their widgets and broadcast their Podcasts. In a day where slick technology provides a variety of services in place of human efforts, I agree the latest iGadgets seem poised to do it all … almost.

There's a flaw. The Apple products can't look hungry people in the eye and hand them a basket of food to complete a Thanksgiving meal. They can't help people peruse through donated clothing and help them locate warm items as the November chill sets in. They can't offer a helping hand or a smile, or even an ear to listen (although some Macs do come equipped with voice-activated sensors, Apple hasn't developed iCounselor, or iBFF to offer any empathy).

When it comes to serving those in need, families of people, not products make the most impact.

Ross Sawyers (pastor of 121 Community Church), his wife Lisa, and sons Andrew and Barrett, experienced a different kind of well-oiled machine last November in the form of ORC, a food and clothing mission outreach in South Dallas.

As they passed out turkeys and pies alongside other families and singles, they had a chance to witness each other serve in an unfamiliar setting.

“It was good to see the boys interact with other people and to see them serving alongside Lisa and I,” Ross said.

When asked if serving as a family looked any different than serving on a daily basis in their own community, Ross shook his head quicker than a texting teenager.

“No. The kids still flock with the kids. The teens still flock with the teens. It's the same thing for the adults.”

Why travel the extra miles to South Dallas to serve?

“It's a good idea to serve in a new place every once in awhile,” Ross said. “You'll have opportunities there to interact with new people and serve in a way you might not have the chance to serve around your neighborhood or church. It takes you out of your comfort zone.”

But what if your comfort zone is helping out once a year and shutting down until next year?

“It's [serving on mission] as you go. It should be intentional and year-round, in the unfamiliar places as well as the familiar.”

When asked about the challenge he took away from the experience, Ross said, “Parents tend to model other things like how to be entertained, or how to make other decisions with time and money. As parents, we need to consistently model intentional, guilt-free, hands-on mission to our kids.”

Look for ways to get involved locally and internationally. Check out mission trips, charitable organizations, community activities and ways to serve in the church as a family. Who knows? The person you may want to help or reach for Christ might be willing to share more as your kids get to know each other. There is a place for the whole family in serving. Check out the 121CC Missions page for ideas.

No matter which side you land on in the technology debate, one thing is clear. As families serve together with purpose, their efforts prove irreplaceable.

Hey, technology. How do you like them apples?