On the Use of AI Q&A

Don't use AI Q&A so much -- talk to God, others, and give Him room to show up and show off!

 Summary

• Since Eden, there has been a tension between our fleshly inclination towards self-reliance and self-sufficiency and God's design of full reliance and intimacy with Him.
• AI question-and-answer (AI Q&A) apps are a recent tool which has taken this tension to new heights.
• Regular use of AI Q&A appears to increase knowledge and improve daily maneuverings but can easily come at the expense of intimacy with God resulting in less joy, peace, long-term glory, and more anxiety, stress, and long-term heartache.
• I suggest not routinely using AI Q&A for life's questions and returning to the practices of the pre-smart phone and pre-Google era where the one's first response to uncertainty or curiosity is to pray and discuss it with God, speak with others, and then continue on their way, knowing that He will light their path.
• Perhaps the most appropriate use of AI Q&A is to use it deliberately for well-defined tasks or queries, whilst not abandoning the habit of seeking God's wisdom for daily life.
• Daily prayer, quiet, and regular discussion with God and believers are essential for the early detection of spiritual drift.

Essay

Perhaps since the Garden of Eden, there has been a tension between humans being self-reliant and self-sufficient and reliant on God. It could be that God's design is for a perfect harmony where we walk with Him whilst also using our intellects and wisdom to decide and create. And perhaps that is all tempered by walking in the Spirit and regular prayer and practicing the presence of God.

But it seems that our flesh (earthly nature) is naturally bent towards being fully self-reliant and fully self-sufficient.

When presented with new knowledge or technology, it seems most of us (a notable exception would be the Amish), plunge forward utilizing the new power to better control our lives. We seem to have a natural tendency to want to know more, acquire knowledge faster, and be more comfortable.

But perhaps there is danger in this, and we may not have a word or concept for this in English, yet. For now we may have to articulate a phrase or concept — that the natural (fleshly) drive towards increased self-reliance often undermines our design and purpose in God's will. So while this may have always been a human struggle, AI and latest advancements seem to have taken it to the highest level yet seen. Based on my self-reflective experience, the consequences of increased self-reliance and self-sufficiency are increased anxiety, stress, spiritual hardship, and lack of intimacy with God.

Daily prayer and quiet, and regular prayer and edification with the brethren (modern English: brothers and/or sisters) are essential to not going spiritually off track, which is our natural tendency. If we can just keep from going off track, the normal or default Christian life is one of incredible joy and fruit (which is independent of financial success and comfort).

AI question-and-answer (AI Q&A) apps (e.g. Google search, ChatGPT, etc) are really good. So good that some of us are basically using them anytime we have a question. And as I've started to do this I've noticed some unsettled feelings in my soul. I seem to know more, but also feel more stressed. Perhaps one of the reasons God doesn't usually give us the full download right away is he knows how much like sheep we are and doesn't want to overwhelm us? But AI was built by man and it gives us what we want right now, and even more! But then we also tend to get stressed and overwhelmed. Like any tool such as an axe, AI Q&A can be used for great good, but it is very dangerous also. We do well to learn from our Amish brothers to be intentional about using tools wisely and not letting them pull us away from our heavenly Father.

My heart is not proud, LORD,
    my eyes are not haught;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content
Israel, put your hope in the LORD
    both now and forevermore.