I am undertaking a controversial topic today, but not with the intention of swaying anyone’s particular stance on the subject at hand. One fact we can likely all agree on is this: AI technology is here to stay — and discernment will be necessary for all of us as we navigate how, or if, we use it. With that statement comes a myriad of other questions that arise as we ask ourselves whether it’s something we should learn more about, or avoid altogether?
Conversations about faith and AI are becoming more common as this technology continues to grow and becomes more easily accessible. As I have personally pondered the new advances for myself, I realize that this is likely to be one more thing that can potentially cause division within the Christian community.
Intentionally or not, as we choose sides of this debate, it brings rather strong views, “for it” or “against it.” And, if we aren’t careful, we might find ourselves arguing with those likeminded individuals who also share a desire to share Jesus with the world, just like us. We may even haphazardly dissuade them from the very thing God is calling them to.
Perhaps, There is No Wrong or Right Answer?
It’s quite possible, that as we ask God to order our steps in His Word, pertaining to AI technology, that the answer may not be the same for each of us. Some may need to use AI in order to fulfill our calling and purpose, while others may not. Honestly, it’s something we should each ask God to take the lead in, and be willing to follow, in whatever direction His plan takes us.
With that said, I will share some of the things that I have recently discovered for myself. And I will confess that areas involving anything technological has never been my strength! My friends, family, and co-author creators would wholeheartedly agree! I’m sure I bring them gasps of disbelief at times, at my inability to navigate things they use so easily.
Sometimes God uses unexpected moments to turn our attention onto something new — and for me, that moment came through something as simple as a social media trend.
When Creativity Meets Technology
Have you seen the latest trend on social media sites where people are sharing caricature photos created by ChatGPT? My feed was bombarded with them and it piqued my curiosity enough to investigate what the hype was all about.
The instructions for creating a caricature were simple enough: ask ChatGPT to create a photo of me using the information it already knew about me. Of course, I had no idea what to expect. So, let me assure you that my reaction was one of astonishment as my eyes beheld the results of my request. I was astounded at the intimate details of the outcome! I shared the photo on the banner of my article but I will add it here for reference!
Within Minutes, AI Created a Photo of the Many Roles I Carry
Without me adding any information about myself, within minutes, the platform created a photo that included many of the different roles God has given me throughout the years.
Honestly, it was a little frightening to see just how much this technology did know! I quickly realized that whether I had ever asked it to show me this photo or not, it still knew. I did not feed it information for an output.
Afterwards, I tweaked a couple of things, but otherwise, ChatGPT recognized intricate details of my life that I’m not sure many of my friends even know about me. That’s kind of crazy to think about!
Then, what’s even more difficult for me to really comprehend is the speed at which this technology created a beautiful photo, with so many important details of my life! This would have taken an extremely gifted person hours, days or weeks to paint or create! It would have taken immense effort to have staged anything close to that for a live photo. And yet, within minutes, I was staring at a version of myself I couldn’t have imagined.
Who Knew a Caricature Could Be So Personal?
While looking at this photo, many things popped into my mind. First, I believe it gives a great visual tool of the many roles God has blessed my life with ~~ grandmother, real estate agent, entrepreneur, woman of faith, author and speaker. It picked up “Gammy” which is the name that my youngest granddaughter calls me, which is very unique!
AI also picked up on a platform that I created called “Yay, You!” that is fairly new. It’s also unique and it’s a personal venture that has a lot of meaning for me! Check it out on Instagram and Facebook!
While there is more to my story, these are some of the newest, most relevant details of my life right now. Honestly, I found it really encouraging to know that AI recognized my faith.
To me, this means I must be doing something right when it comes to sharing my love of Jesus with others. It also put a microphone in my hand, which is something I have not yet done much of YET, but feel God leading me toward.
God Can Use All Things for His Glory!
I believe God can use all things for His Glory. ChatGPT included. Perhaps this is God’s confirmation to keep taking steps into new things. It certainly caught my attention, because I haven’t shared pics of me with a microphone or posted about that desire to my knowledge.
I tried another photo with specific directions to create a professional photo of me:
This photo is on par with the ones I have had taken professionally, had to dress up for, and pay for. This was done instantly and free. A game changer for the future.
Stepping Out In Faith
Sometimes new things are part of God’s calling for our lives. I can testify to the fact that “new things” can often seem scary or cause us fear. An example of this in my own life came when I took steps toward becoming an author.
I had no idea what I was doing, and it seemed like a dream that would never be attainable. But God!
As I took little steps forward, God opened unimaginable doors of opportunity that were all new to me. I felt so insecure, and inadequate, but as I surrendered to learning new things, God gave me wisdom. He helped me navigate a whole new world of technology and computer skills that I needed in order for me to become a published author, and a writer for Patheos.
Discernment Scriptures to Guide Us:
James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.” That promise applies just as much to navigating new AI technology as it does to any other decision in life.
Jeremiah 33:3 tells us, “‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” AI may be unfamiliar territory for many of us, but we can trust that God is familiar with guiding us through seasons of change.
History is proof of all the advances that believers have had to acquire and adhere to throughout the years, from the printing press to online technology, from the pulpits to television and radio… things changed.
Now that AI exists, it’s obvious we will continually need to seek God’s wisdom in how we respond to it.
Stepping Forward with Wisdom
AI will likely continue to spark debate among Christians in many different professions. But, what matters most is seeking God’s wisdom as we navigate faith and AI in a changing world.
Technology will continue to change, and the Bible tells us so, but God does not! The same God who guides us in familiar areas of our life will also help us navigate the new, unfamiliar areas if we ask Him.
As for me, this unexpected encounter with AI didn’t replace creativity or change my calling — it simply reminded me that God is still leading me forward in faith. God reveals things in His timing, and He alone knows what I will need to implement, in order to to fulfill the calling that resonates in my heart.
I am on a mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus across the world! And my heart is willing to follow God’s lead, trusting in His protection and provision along the way. You can read more about my desire to share Jesus in my very first Patheos article: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/uniquelyconstructed/2023/10/uniquely-constructed-faith-family-careers-purpose/
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