How AI Is Influencing Who You Become

Let’s begin with a quick heart check.

How would you feel if you found out your pastor preached a sermon written entirely by AI?

What if your boss announced that everyone is now expected to use generative AI tools daily to increase productivity?

Or imagine someone in your small group confessing that they asked an AI chatbot whether they should leave their spouse.

For most people, at least one of those scenarios triggers discomfort. And often, that discomfort comes before we can articulate why. Something feels off.

Artificial intelligence has advanced at breathtaking speed. In just a few years, tools like ChatGPT and other large language models have moved from novelty to normal. According to recent industry reports, more than 60% of knowledge workers globally now use generative AI in some capacity. Among young adults, adoption is even higher. Cultural shifts rarely move this quickly.

When technology accelerates faster than reflection, Christians must slow down.

The question is not simply, “Is AI good or bad?” The deeper question is, “How is AI shaping you?”

Scripture may not mention artificial intelligence, but it speaks clearly about human nature, wisdom and idolatry. If we read both our Bibles and our technology carefully, we can approach this moment with clarity rather than fear.

Let’s consider three principles.

1. Know the Difference Between Human and Nonhuman

Psalm 115 warns about idols that look alive but are not:

“They have mouths, but do not speak;

eyes, but do not see…

Those who make them become like them;

so do all who trust in them.”

Idols imitate life without possessing it. They resemble persons but lack breath.

Artificial intelligence can produce astonishing simulations of conversation. It can summarize research, draft emails and even compose sermons. But it does not think. It does not pray. It does not love. It processes patterns based on massive datasets provided by human beings.

From a biblical perspective, clarity about human personhood matters deeply. Humans alone are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We reason, create, love, repent and worship because we reflect a personal Creator.

When a pastor preaches, Romans 10:14 reminds us that faith comes through hearing the proclaimed word. The Spirit works through human voices. Technology can amplify that proclamation through microphones, podcasts or livestreams but it cannot replace the human responsibility to proclaim.

If we blur the line between human and machine, we risk diminishing our own calling. Attributing higher human capacities to AI like wisdom, counsel or companionship quietly lowers our expectations for ourselves.

Machines can analyze.

Humans can commune.

And that distinction must remain clear.

2. Evaluate Not Just Usefulness but Formation

All technology shapes us. The printing press expanded literacy. Smartphones altered attention spans. Social media redefined community.

AI is no exception.

In workplaces, leaders often assume generative AI will automatically boost productivity. And in some tasks, it may. But speed is not the same as depth.

Research from Microsoft’s 2023 Work Trend Index found that 49% of employees worry AI may reduce their ability to think critically. Meanwhile, author Cal Newport argues that meaningful knowledge work requires uninterrupted thought and reflection something quick AI outputs may erode.

Scripture repeatedly praises patience and deliberation. Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” Quick answers are not always wise answers.

If AI becomes our first stop for ideas, creativity and strategy, what happens to our capacity for deep thinking? What kind of people are we becoming?

When evaluating AI, Christians must ask more than, “Does this save time?” We must ask, “What habits is this forming in me?”

Are we outsourcing imagination?

Are we weakening perseverance?

Are we becoming passive consumers of machine-generated solutions?

As embodied creatures made in the image of a rational God, our minds are meant to grow through effort. Tools can assist that growth. But if overused, they can also atrophy it.

3. Remember AI Can Provide Information but Not Wisdom

Perhaps the most concerning trend is the rise of AI as counselor, therapist or companion.

Some surveys suggest roughly one in four Americans would consider using an AI chatbot for mental health support. Among Gen Z, the openness is even higher. Anonymity and convenience are powerful draws.

But wisdom is not the same as information.

Wisdom is formed character. It is learning to think, feel and choose in alignment with Christ. It develops through relationship, suffering, correction and community.

James 1:5 tells us to ask God for wisdom not data. Wisdom is relational. It flows from the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). It is cultivated in embodied fellowship.

AI cannot pray for you.

AI cannot sit beside you in grief.

AI cannot gently confront your sin in love.

AI cannot model repentance or forgiveness.

God created us not merely as minds that exchange words, but as embodied persons who live in community. Genesis 2:18 declares, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” We are formed in relationship.

An AI chatbot may generate coherent responses. But it does not possess love, patience or spiritual discernment. If we begin to treat machines as substitutes for friendship or counsel, we risk retreating inward rather than growing outward.

Information without relationship can become isolation disguised as insight.

Read Your Technology Well

Some will argue that every generation fears new technology. That is true. Christians once debated printed Bibles, radio broadcasts and online sermons.

The goal is not panic. Nor is it blind embrace.

It is discernment.

Artificial intelligence poses unique questions about human identity. If we are not careful, we may begin to treat machines as quasi-persons while treating ourselves as efficient machines.

But Scripture anchors us. We are image-bearers of a living God. We are called to wisdom, community and embodied love.

The Author of Scripture is not surprised by generative AI. His Word still speaks. His Spirit still guides.

So as AI becomes more integrated into work, church and daily life, ask yourself honestly:

Is this tool helping me fulfill my human calling or quietly reshaping it?

Am I using AI or is it forming me into someone more hurried, more isolated, less dependent on God and others?

Technology will continue to evolve. But our identity remains rooted in Christ.

And if we keep that foundation clear, we can navigate this new age not with fear, but with faithful wisdom.

If this reflection helped you think more clearly about AI and faith, consider sharing it with someone wrestling with these questions or subscribe to our newsletter for more biblical guidance on today’s cultural shifts.