The statement I'm making with the title of this blog post might seem obvious, but let me ask you a simple question ... have you been struggling with trying to figure out something important lately? Like, whether you should consider a risky surgery that your doctor is recommending? Or perhaps you don't know if you should take a leap of faith and buy that new car. What's your process in coming up with the answer that's best for you? What's your "go to" and first step to solve your problem?
Do you scour the internet for answers? Search Google for information on the surgery, or to find the best rated cars? Look up reviews on top surgeons, or comments by satisfied buyers of that make and model of automobile? Do you rely on technology for the majority of answers in your life?
I ask, because I'm beginning to wonder if the convenience of Artificial Intelligence has moved us away from our relationship with the Holy Spirit; especially when faced with consequential decisions in our lives. Yes, I believe that we don't need to consult Him with every minor and inconsequential issue we are faced with in this life. We have been given a brain which God expects us to use as we grow and mature into a responsible human being. But He also wants to be a part of our lives, active in a symbiotic relationship that is mutually beneficial. That's why we've been given the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as our Savior and Redeemer.
Now, it's true that both Artificial Intelligence and the Holy Spirit qualify as helpers and the givers of knowledge and understanding, and yes, even wisdom. But one of them derives its wisdom from the data input created by men [with all its limitations and sin-attached biases], while the other offers wisdom [in its fullness] from the One True Creator of the Universe. Which one do you think is more trustworthy?
It's also my belief that we need to consider the growing omnipresence of AI in our lives. My fear is that the recent generations [who may have never known a time in their lives without AI], will become more inclined and receptive to seeking technology for their guidance, counsel, and decisions instead of the spiritual presence of the Holy Spirit. And that reliance and dependence will only serve to separate us from the most important relationship in our lives. In other words, I fear that humanity will identify more with technology as the source of their being, power, and freedom, instead of the Holy Spirit and God as the true Source of their identity.
Remember, the Holy Spirit teaches us, guides us, and counsels us for our well being; with our best interests in mind. If you don't know God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, it will be easy to trust that AI is doing the same. But a recent headline revealed that "Open AI's latest model DISOBEYED a shutdown order, and then rewrote its own code to stay alive". Does that sound like technology is looking out for the human race?
And I have to be honest ... whenever my spirit is restless about something, I ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what is going on in the spiritual realms. Why is my soul so uneasy about this new industry of technology? Increasingly [and repeatedly], I am discerning that the Holy Spirit is showing me that Satan is counterfeiting something that God manifests. Satan so hates us that he will intentionally deceive mankind into using our creative abilities in imitation of our God. But we are creating computers with no sense of boundaries, let alone any experience or comprehension of God.
Gaining knowledge is good, right? But more knowledge is not always what's best for humanity. When ambition and pride supersede moral decision-making, resulting in the surrender of our minds, our bodies, and our spiritual connections to God in favor of advancements in "Scientific Knowledge", then we are close to abandoning our spiritual purpose.
As a Christian, I seek the Lord through His Word, and the Holy Spirit guides me to the truth of my unease and where I can find the answers to the discontent I find in the world's love affair with technology. Now, I'm not saying that technology can't be used in our quest for more of God -- I've certainly used it to gain more historical knowledge about my faith, and to discover valuable commentaries on the Biblical meanings and interpretations of Scripture. But, yet again, I must warn that we seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning the truth, motives, and inspiration behind the answers we receive.
Remember, it is men who write computer programs, and therefore the influence of the internet and digital technology is having a huge influence on humans -- "both obvious and subtle, deliberate and unintentional, and advantageous and detrimental" (according to a study by Walden University, titled How Is Modern Technology Affecting Human Development?). Can we really trust everything we read, hear, or have been taught, when we can't possibly know the source or intention of what is being disseminated?
As I have stated previously, ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan has used deception and lies; mockery and corrupt imitation; and seduction and temptation -- all with the purpose to fracture our relationship with God. But the Holy Spirit guards that relationship, sealing it until the day of redemption. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit revives and regenerates us, comforts us, grows us, and restrains our sins ... when we seek Him and listen to Him. The Holy Spirit desires that we know and understand God! Can we say the same of Artificial Intelligence?!?
So, I pray for humanity to have their eyes opened. I pray for Believers to share their discernment about the possible dangers of letting AI gain too much control over our technology. Already, I am seeing AI videos of what appear to be sermons from pastors in the pulpit, preaching that God doesn't see our sin, only our goodness, because He is good. And let me tell you, they look and sound like real pastors giving real sermons. But they are a lie!!! I can only imagine how many people who profess faith in Jesus Christ and their belief in God's sovereignty and truth, who will fall for the lie -- let alone those who don't know God at all.
It's Satan's soft sell approach; his whisper of devious deception that is opening the door to hell. If you have even a twinge of suspicion, take it to the Holy Spirit and seek His wisdom and understanding. Ask Him to show you the truth, and then be courageous enough to openly deny it. Admit your doubt and ask the Spirit to intercede for you and give you divine understanding and insight, providing revelation that is more than intellectual, but deeply spiritual. This kind of intelligence transforms our believing hearts and minds to align us with God's purposes -- both the purpose for our life and the purpose for His Kingdom on earth.
We are not here to advance the goals and strategies of Satan's technological and spiritual war, but to re-establish and strengthen God's dominion over His creation. We are in a battle of human wisdom against the wisdom of God. It may look like man versus machine, but the truth is, we can only win this spiritual war if we choose the Holy Spirit as our supreme Guide and Counselor. Stay alert! Satan is looking for those he can devour through the promises of technology!
1 Corinthians 2:6-7 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
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