I recently came across a Christian podcast by a Christian entrepreneur that spoke about God’s economy. As he spoke, he shared how God helped him scale his businesses through obedience and total trust in God’s sovereignty. He talked about how God’s law works in the natural world. He mentioned how everything we have and earn comes from the Father and that we essentially own nothing.
He later said something that struck me, and I couldn’t agree more. He said that he only hires people for his companies who have an AI background or at least understand how it works. I thought to myself, “Finally someone gets it!” It was refreshing to hear your ideas being affirmed by another Christian.
In addition, he also said something important, something we as professionals overlook as we grow older. He said if you are not constantly perfecting your skill, if you are not learning something new in your industry, and if you assume that the skills you have developed over the years will remain relevant in the near future, you are essentially setting yourself up for failure. Just because you have a skill in something but choose not to continually work on perfecting it, doesn’t mean you will be an expert in that field for your entire life.
Human beings evolve, and so does technology. AI is here, and it’s not going anywhere. Get on board with it or you will be left behind (all puns intended). The sooner you learn how to use it, the better it is.
And no, as a Christian, you have no reason to fear it.
Fear Does Not Come From God
I don’t understand Christians who are constantly afraid of everything. For the love of everything sacred, tattoo 2 Timothy 1:7 on your heart:”For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The evangelical church in America has produced a generation of fearful Christians, afraid of almost everything: Muslims, technology, the weather, world leaders, gluten, thrift stores, the immigrants, movies, music, books, and the list goes on and on. To them everything is evil and a sign that the end is near.
It’s almost as if Christ died for nothing. What a tragic and pitiful way to live as a Christian knowing that Christ Himself said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10.
Why do we forget who God is? Cling to Him for safety and wisdom to discern good from evil. If the Lord, for some reason, prohibits you from using AI, then you must obey. But be reminded that every technological advancement throughout history was pioneered by people whose talents, intellect, gifts, and all their brilliant ideas came from the Creator of the Universe. God has equipped every human being with a mind and creativity to subdue this earth. Every invention, every human progress, every human creation comes from their essence of the divine Creator.
Satan does not create nor invent. He uses and abuses the children of God and everything that they make. He is a copycat who can only fabricate counterfeits. He distorts the Lord’s design and claims it as his own.
Never be afraid of the counterfeit.
Also, what exactly are you afraid of? AI spreads misinformation? What misinformation? We have been flooded with it since the beginning of time.
What about AI being deceptive? Well, we have been deceived as a human species since the Garden of Eden. So, there is nothing new there. The ruler of this world is deceptive, don’t be afraid of him. Be vigilant — shrewd as a serpent and innocent as a dove.
If you are concerned about AI controlling your life, then you need to meditate on Galatians 5:22-23. Ask God to specifically give you the spirit of self-control. It is one of the most important virtues that Christians strive to cultivate to get closer to God. We are called to discipline both our bodies and our minds in every area of our lives — what we eat, what we drink, how much sleep we get, what and who we listen to, what we read, what we watch, what we think, and who we choose to spend our time with.
Approach AI with the same self-control you practice in other areas of your life.
If you believe AI might one day gain too much power and harm humanity, then make a decision — either take active steps to ensure it doesn’t, or choose not to use it, but do not live in fear. And remember, if you refuse to incorporate it in any areas of your life, its impact will still reach your life eventually.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of AI
First of all, AI is a tool designed to make your life easier not something you should be intimidated by because it is just another man-made technological invention. I’m sure that when the first computer or cell-phone was invented, many Christians believed it was from the devil. That might have been partially true, but think about all the good that has come out it. Since the internet was invented, millions if not billions of people were able to hear the Gospel. This should be every Christian’s mindset, “How can I use AI to advance the kingdom of God?”
I cannot wait to see how AI will change the movie industry. Christians will be able to tell their stories with the help of AI and bring more people to the kingdom of God.
AI was created by human beings for human beings. It can only access the information that humans have already produced. It cannot, at least for now, create life or reproduce itself. Humanity is still in control, at least for now. And as long as we hold authority and exercise self-control, AI can be an incredible tool to bring positive change to the world and to the lives of many people.
What Makes AI Beneficial?
As a creative person, I can say that AI has been, and will continue to be groundbreaking. I’ve worked in digital marketing, social media, and content creation in the non-profit and start-up spaces. Most of the time, these organizations allocate very few or no resources to digital marketing, not understanding how much work it requires. Thank God for AI because what once took hours of manual labor can now be done in seconds. For digital marketers, it is a gift from heaven. We no longer need to spend hours on editing, researching, brainstorming ideas, writing drafts, designing visuals, or crafting content. Instead, we can focus on getting high priority work done faster and more efficient.
Learn how to use AI to your advantage. Make AI work for you not the other way around.
How To Protect Yourself from AI
If AI concerns you, take action. Train and protect yourself, and do the same for your children if you have any or plan to have children. If you believe AI could replace your job, then you need to think proactively and pursue a career path that is less likely to be affected by it. If you are an adult, you have the self-control, self-awareness, and emotional maturity to manage AI wisely and to your benefit.
When it comes to children, teach them the right way, following the wisdom in the book of Proverbs, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” Proverbs 22:6. Educate and nurture the love for books and learning in them. Travel with them, expose them to the world, and show them the value and blessing of serving other people. Teach them how to work diligently so they are not wasting their time in bad company or mindlessly scrolling on their devices. Discipline them with love and guidance but do not control them. Equip them to navigate life wisely, responsibly, and fearlessly.
If you are afraid of AI that means you have made an idol out it. Idols are not meant to be feared. They are meant to be shattered on a concrete floor.
Go have fun with AI!
Fariza 