Wisely Navigating AI

Have you noticed how effortlessly technology brings you personalized news, helps craft your texts and emails, recommends exactly what you might buy next, or even anticipates the best route for your commute? Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t limited to science fiction anymore – it’s become part of our everyday routines, guiding us in ways we hardly even notice. And while these tools offer genuine benefits like convenience and productivity, we rarely pause to reflect on how they’re subtly shaping our hearts, influencing our emotions, and affecting our walk with Christ.

As Christians living in this digital age, it’s important to slow down and ask ourselves: “Who are we becoming as we interact daily with these powerful technologies?” The Bible may not explicitly mention AI, but it consistently calls us toward wisdom, discernment, and intentional living. By thoughtfully engaging with technology, we can ensure it serves our spiritual growth—helping us become more like Jesus and join him in his work in the world.

AI as a Gift to Steward

We believe in a creative God. Just look around at the beauty of nature and the complexity of the human body. One of the ways that we, made in his image, reflect his creativity is through inventions and innovation—including technology like AI.

Throughout history, Christians have thoughtfully used technology to honor God. Take the printing press, for example – it helped spread God’s Word and deepened community. AI holds similar potential. Among other things, it can help diagnose diseases earlier, manage energy-draining tasks, and even support our Bible study by summarizing Scripture passages and clarifying historical context. Yet with every powerful gift comes responsibility. Our goal should be to thoughtfully steward technology, ensuring it supports our spiritual growth and relationships, rather than subtly leading our focus off Christ.

Counting the Hidden Cost

As we learn to steward new technology well, we must remain alert to its hidden influences. A friend recently shared her experience with social media – a story that’s becoming increasingly common. What started as a nightly habit to unwind gradually left her feeling anxious, restless, and disconnected from God and those around her. As a follower of Jesus, she began noticing how AI-driven algorithms subtly reshaped her desires and emotions, feeding her idealized glimpses into other people’s lives and making her increasingly discontent with her own.

When she started setting intentional boundaries – limiting screen time, unfollowing unhelpful content, and using that time for prayer or meaningful conversation instead – her sense of peace gradually returned, and her relationships improved. Her story highlights a hidden risk of AI. Algorithms quietly influence not just what we see but what we value and pursue. Without discernment, technology can unintentionally pull us toward anxiety, distraction, and comparison – far from the rich and peaceful life Jesus invites us into.

As we increasingly interact with AI-powered tools, even in areas like mental health apps or virtual assistants, it’s important to remember these interactions shape us. Whether we realize it or not, technology influences our souls, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and spiritual health.

Biblical Wisdom for a Digital Age

While the Apostle Paul didn’t face smartphones or social media, his guidance remains remarkably relevant: “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This wisdom invites us to carefully evaluate new technologies, thoughtfully considering their influence on our hearts and minds.

AI-driven platforms subtly shape us, encouraging us to measure our worth by productivity, popularity, or the massive amount of information we consume. Yet our true identity is rooted in something far deeper: we are fully known and loved by God. He designed us for meaningful relationships, where we can pray together, share burdens, and experience his love through the presence of others. While AI may help us connect superficially, it cannot replace the true belonging, encouragement, and growth we find in face-to-face community—those relationships that nourish our souls and draw us closer to God.

Practical Steps to Stay Spiritually Grounded

So, how can we wisely engage with technology like AI in our everyday lives?

• Reflect regularly: Consistently pause to consider how technology affects your soul, your emotions, and your relationships. If it’s leading you away from the kind of person God wants you to become, it might be time for a change. Invite God into these reflections, praying, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23).
• Set healthy boundaries: Embrace times of intentional disconnection—like device-free dinners, screen-free evenings, or even an entire day of unplugging. These moments allow space for true connection with God and others. Remember, Scripture encourages moderation and self-control, reminding us that while “all things are lawful…” not all things are beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12).
• Curate your digital life thoughtfully: Be selective about your digital consumption. Choose content that encourages spiritual growth and authentic relationships, letting go of what distracts or diminishes your soul. Proverbs teaches “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
• Prioritize face-to-face connections: Invest deeply in real, personal relationships. Technology can supplement friendships, but true community requires embodied presence and genuine care, tangibly expressed in everyday life. The book of Hebrews urges believers to regularly gather together, emphasizing the value of personal encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Walking Forward with Wisdom

AI will undoubtedly become more integrated into our daily lives, but we don’t have to feel fearful or overwhelmed. With prayerful discernment and intentionality, we can navigate these tools in ways that honor God, strengthen relationships, and deepen our spiritual maturity. Ultimately, the invitation is clear: stay rooted in Christ, thoughtfully considering how the technology we use each day shapes our hearts, minds, and walk with him. With wisdom and intentionality, we can steward technology so that it serves our discipleship journey rather than distracting from it.

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For Further Information

Principles for Technology Podcast Episodes
The Bible makes no mention of the internet, apps, or virtual reality. Yet it speaks to them. In this series, we provide a few helpful principles to use when discerning our technology use and some principles to consider in technology use: time usage, Christ likeness, and social appropriateness.

Tech & Kids: Understanding AI Podcast Episode [ACCFS]
It has always been hard to stay on top of technology. It seems artificial intelligence (AI) has just raised the ante. In this Breaking Bread podcast episode, David Virkler helps demystify AI. In so doing, some down-to-earth advice is given on how to parent our kids in this world of AI

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