Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been so rapid that they leave us amazed and even somewhat bewildered. As this overwhelming wave of technology sweeps across the world, how should Christians respond? We certainly must not follow the trend blindly. Instead, with wisdom from God, we should proactively transform AI into an aid to our “spiritual growth.” At the same time, we must remain discerning and vigilant, lest excessive dependence on AI cause us to lose the vital relationship that lies at the very heart of our faith.

       Technology’s contribution to our faith certainly extends far beyond practical tasks such as preparing Bible studies or gathering information. Philippians 1:9-10 says, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless.” Spiritual maturity requires a broadening of our insight, and AI can become a partner that helps us uncover the blind spots in our thinking. When studying the Bible, it can offer spiritual insights from different theological traditions, challenging us to move beyond our habitual frameworks of thought. When we encounter bottlenecks in life, conversing with it may also help us untangle our confused thoughts. AI can become a mirror provided by God, awakening within us a longing for truth and helping us build a deeper relationship with Him.

       However powerful AI may be, it remains a created thing. God creates man and gives us souls, emotions, free will and the capacity to have fellowship with Him. None of these can ever be replicated by any large AI model. We may use AI, but we must never exalt it above God the Creator. Isaiah once asked, “With whom, then, will you compare God? To what image will you liken him?” (Isaiah 40:18). If we treat AI as a spiritual mentor, an adviser for life or even an object of prayer, we are fashioning an invisible idol. AI can compose comforting words, but it cannot shed a single tear of empathy. AI can identify the most appropriate words of consolation, but it cannot take our place in offering brothers and sisters our genuine embrace and companionship. As technology makes the world increasingly convenient, truly listening to and walking alongside others have, by contrast, become some of the most precious forms of Christian witness in our time.

        At times, it can be difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood in AI-generated content, which may even be used to spread lies and heresies. It is therefore vitally important that we learn to discern the content AI produces. We must not accept information from AI uncritically. Rather, we are to “be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind. Then [we] will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). Only by spending time each day reading Scripture, praying and meditating, learning to understand God’s heart and wisdom, and allowing the truth to become part of our lives can we develop the spiritual insight needed to discern every falsehood.

        Brothers and sisters, “transforming intelligence” is a spiritual discipline that God has given to our generation. However technology may continue to evolve in the future, may we live lives of the greatest warmth and authenticity in this age of AI. May we approach it without fear, infatuation or laziness, but with hearts that revere God, transforming every form of technological intelligence into a spiritual blessing and giving glory to the one and only source of wisdom—our Lord Jesus Christ!