My Friend James: AI Did Not Write This Blog
Believe me, I am not anti-AI or anti-technology. In fact, I appreciate the cost reductions that AI use can offer to the struggling publishing industry. My son even used ChatGPT to write some cute stories about my grandsons.
However, I have been reading, with growing concern, about news and information sources increasingly using AI to write news reports. That’s fine if they use it, as one expert I read suggested, in the same way you would an intern – that is, allowing the AI or intern to write a first draft, which a seasoned professional. But for a lot of social media outlets, we now have irresponsible and morally questionable “reporters” posting deliberately fake news, information, photos and videos using advanced AI.
I’ve seen some realistic looking AI-generated photos of President Biden and former President Trump laughing as they play golf together. The person posting the fake photos let everyone know they were created by AI. But we can’t count on that from everyone.
Let’s face it, though, mankind has always had a questionable, shaky relationship with the truth. We just have better tools in modern times.
Our friend, James points that out. James 5:12 [NKJV] But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your "Yes" be "Yes," and [your] "No," "No," lest you fall into judgment.
He was just quoting his big brother, Jesus. We find the Lord saying almost the exact same thing in Matthew 5:33-37.
We can even look to the Old Testament to guide us on how important it is to God that His people are truthful.
Psalm 15:1-2 [NKJV] 1 LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;
If we are going to be women who unerringly speak the truth, we must have a heart for the truth. Once we have proven that to be true, we can be assured that our “yes’” or “no’s” will be accepted by others.
Psalm 40:4 [NKJV] Blessed [is] that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Those with a heart for truth, are careful to keep from being associated with those for whom the truth is flexible. Whether that is a news source, a social media post or a religious organization.
Psalm 101:7 [NKJV] He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.
If we want to live in the presence of God, we cannot be liars. That includes carelessly reposting things we cannot confirm to be the truth or even hedging the truth to make myself look better in a bad situation.
As a Christian woman, I’d bet you would not out-and-out lie, but it takes more than just not lying to become a person whose “yes” or “no” is easily accepted. It takes being someone whose word is their bond, as Psalm 15:4, speaking of who may dwell in God’s presence, says, “…who keeps an oath even when it hurst, and does not change their mind.” [NIV]
The Bible is clear that we must become the type of Christian who can be counted on to speak the truth, whose word is her bond, and who esteems only those who do the same.
Psalm 15:1-2 [NKJV] 1 LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;
It fun to use AI to create stories and pictures, and I believe it will be a helpful tool to writers and illustrators. But we know the “father of lies” [John 8:44] doesn’t need artificial intelligence to do his lying. That is why we must become women of the “yes” and “no” that can be counted on in every situation.
Thank you for continuing to join me in the study of the book written by my friend James. As we wrap this up, please let me know where you think we should go next.
You can write me any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org or leave a message in the chat.