May 16, 2024, Watch! and Hold On!
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13 NKJV)
Watch! and Hold on!
AI, artificial intelligence, is absolutely fascinating! It can help with myriad small matters, like a wake-up alarm or finding a restaurant. AI is also making strides in generating solutions to much larger human concerns. Conversely, AI also has eyes on us! Watching us closely! We might Google something for information purposes and suddenly discover that our email inbox is filled with unsolicited solicitation messages! Unbeknownst to us, that flood of messages was unleashed by a quick innocent Google search.
AI is also being used to launch character assassinations on individuals like preachers of the gospel through the rapid spread of false rumors on social media platforms. Watch! Do not be so easily taken in by—well, by something that is artificial!
Prolific author and academician, Dr. Barbara Reynolds’ new book, The Rise and Fall of the Techno-Messiah: Technology and the End Times, caught my attention recently. While she does not condemn AI and expresses appreciation for the value and potential of new technology to find equitable solutions to health, environmental, and economic issues, etc., She raises questions about whether we are allowing AI to take the place of God in our lives. It is being reported that even some ministers are using AI to develop their sermons! In doing so, are they replacing the true wisdom of God with artificial intelligence? Watch!
As Dr. Bernice King points out in her foreword to the book, Dr. Reynolds poses some thought-provoking questions like, “Are scientists replacing pastors and laboratories replacing sacred altars? Is technology rising as a self-described omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent god?” And most importantly, “Is technology pushing God out the backdoor of his creations?”
Jesus admonished us to “Watch and pray,” (Mt. 26:41). Paul encouraged us to watch and stand fast in the faith. When AI is being used to sully the reputation of men and women who have done much to advance the work of the Kingdom of God, we have a responsibility to watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, [and] be strong.” AI has many useful benefits, but don’t just let it watch you. Watch out for it’s subtleties and hold on to God’s unchanging hand!
Focus Quote: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” –1 Peter 5:8 NLT