I would not claim to be a prophet, and I do not like being a doomsayer. But Christian leaders are responsible to use their platform(s) to warn their spheres of influence of impending danger, and the current manifestations of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Models (LLMs) fall into that category. For the uninitiated, you may know LLMs by their product names: ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, etc.
When the digital revolution began, no one knew the damage it would cause – particularly to the young. We now have no excuse – the research has been done, and it is conclusive. We produced a series of articles on this earlier in the year. Here are links for your convenience:
We Become What We Give Our Attention To
Mitigating the Damage of Our Distracted Minds and Hearts
Building Protective Barriers Against Digital Age Technology
Restoring (Some of) What Has Been Lost to Digital Age Technology
Additionally (and with some irony in mind), I recently published a “conversation” with Copilot, in which it summarized a MIT study on the dangers of using LLMs. This is emblematic of the conflicted, confusing, and chaotic world we live in.
Shepherds are responsible to their Master for the spiritual, psychological, and emotional safety of His people. Can you imagine a pastor, preacher, teacher, or leader of any kind ignoring the dangers that lie ahead in the digital world? The current damage will be increased – perhaps exponentially – with the advent of AI and the use of LLMs. AI is not going away; it cannot be unplugged; and those entrusted to our care are mostly unaware of the danger it poses for individuals, families, and fellowships.
Given the grip digital technology has on most of us, we are already operating from a disadvantaged position. We need a hard reset on the use of technology, but this approach will not work with most people. The solution will likely vary from one sphere of influence to the next. We desperately need for the Holy Spirit’s teaching, guidance, and conviction; we need leaders who will pray and listen for the voice of God.
I will close with a couple of specific encouragements:
- If you need convincing, give me a call (770.367.7612).
- If you need help with research, give me a call.
- If you do not consider yourself a Christian leader, rethink that, and/or pass this on to the Christian leaders in your spheres.
- If you think digital technology is amoral, consider the principalities that are driving its development: Mammon (the god of greed), Magog (the power god), and Aphrodite (as much as 30% of all internet content is pornography).
If Christian leaders keep doing what we have been doing, the indiscriminate use of digital technology will continue to destroy children, marriages, families, and fellowships. As you can see, I intend to do all God allows and empowers to mitigate that destruction. Let me know if I can help you do the same. It is high time we found our platoons and began fighting for the people entrusted to our care.
God bless you with wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness for these troubling times.
Have a strong day in the Lord,
Rob
#iamjustthepen
Ministry Updates and Prayer Requests
Please turn your prayerful attention to God’s voice and purpose for you in this season. We are truly in a Kairos moment of spiritual challenge and opportunity. Knowing His voice is now of paramount importance, and the purpose He entrusts to you will likely be your greatest kingdom legacy.
We got some disappointing news regarding the video editing for the The Storms Have Only Just Begun online course. That will not begin until December. On the positive side, I will have more time to invest in the Study Guide. Please continue to pray for this endeavor.
As we turn our attention back to A Christian Response to the Metacrisis, please pray for God’s direction in the book’s writing and publication.
Beginning in November, I will be meeting with several current and retired educators to better understand how we might return responsibility for the education of our children to the church. Please pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, courage, and boldness in this audacious desire.
The Better Living Resource Network, which includes the previously mentioned healing and deliverance network, will begin its pilot phase this month. Several churches and ministries are coming together to manifest Jesus’ prayer for unity in service to their community. Please pray for our wisdom in the selection of participating partners, and faith for God’s exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think.
Our family and fellowship are well and well blessed. We appreciate your prayers for our continued spiritual growth and encouragement in the use of our new home as a refuge of encouragement and wisdom in this chaotic season.
Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers suffering under persecution – as if chained with them, since you yourselves are in the body also (Hebrews 13:3).
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way. We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob