Created Not Coded
This feels like the strangest time in history. And though I have only lived through a fraction of the 20th to the present day, I know that the technology available today is more than any point in history.
Think about the tasks of yesterday that required significant time – for example, data entry – we collect hand-written email subscribers. No more double keying, no more trying to decipher R’s from N’s, nope that is a thing of the past as now we snap a picture and tell ChatCPT to create a loadable list. Done.
The AI time savings is significant, yet a question lingers in the back of our minds: Am I using technology as a tool, or am I slowly outsourcing parts of my humanity?
The question feels more pressing every day. Headlines tell stories of AI companions replacing friendships, leading to, in extreme cases, encouraged suicide. Deepfakes have blurred the lines between truth and fiction, and algorithms shape everything we do.
Young adults are forming emotional attachments to digital personalities. According to an 2026 Axios study, nearly 80% of young adults in the US and UK have used an AI chatbot for companionship at least once. Artificial intelligence promises incredible convenience, yet many people sense that something deeper is at stake.
As Christians, we cannot simply reject technology, but need guard against fully embracing it. We need scripture stamped in our minds that will help us navigate both the opportunities and dangers of this new era.
We are reminded in the first chapter of the bible that we are created in the image of God, and given the responsibility to steward creation.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26-28
This includes the tools we invent and the technologies we develop. The question is not whether AI will shape our future, as it already is. The real question is whether we will engage it faithfully without losing the distinctiveness of what it means to bear God's image.
Technology is not the enemy, but it is a powerful tool that often reveals what we worship.
The Goodness of Technology as God's Gift
Before discussing the dangers of AI, we need to acknowledge something important: technology is not inherently evil.
Human creativity reflects the Creator. Every invention—from the wheel to the printing press to advanced medical technologies—demonstrates humanity's God-given ability to cultivate and develop creation. In Genesis 1, God commissions humanity to exercise wise dominion over the earth. Part of fulfilling that mandate is creating tools that help human progress and flourish.
Throughout history, technology has been used for tremendous good. Medical breakthroughs have saved countless lives. Translation software and digital resources have helped distribute Scripture to people groups that previously lacked access to God's Word. Churches can livestream services to shut-ins, missionaries can connect globally, and Christians can access thousands of biblical resources with a device that fits in their pocket.
Even AI has already served kingdom purposes. Many pastors use AI tools to organize ideas, researchers use them to process information more efficiently, and ministries leverage technology to expand their reach. When used wisely, these tools can increase effectiveness and free up time for community, discipleship, and service.
Scripture offers a helpful picture in Exodus 35:30–35:
“Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. 34 And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.” – Exodus 35:30-35
God fills Bezalel with His Spirit, skill, and creativity to craft artistic works for the tabernacle. Human ingenuity does not inherently oppose God's purposes.
And, yet, every good gift can be corrupted. The same human creativity that builds hospitals can build weapons of war. The same technology that distributes truth can spread deception. Remember, it didn’t take long for God's gifts to be redirected toward rebellion and self-exaltation.
The issue is not technology but rather the human heart.
Identity and the Image of God
One of the most important questions Christians must ask is:
What makes us humans unique?
AI can generate artwork, compose music, write essays, and carry on conversations. As these systems become more sophisticated, the meaningful difference between humans and machines can become quite slippery.
Psalm 139 celebrates God's intentional formation of every human life. While AI can imitate creativity, it cannot bear God's image. It possesses neither a soul nor inherent dignity. It does not worship, praise, repent, love sacrificially, or experience redemption.
Only a God created human being can reflect the character of the creator, God.
This distinction matters because as society begins to view people as merely biological machines, it becomes easier to reduce human worth to ideology, productivity, intelligence, or efficiency. The slippery slope of becoming desensitized to humans and human emotion.
Competing for our Attention
Social media platforms use algorithms to do a lot more than entertain us, they want to shape us. They want to maximize engagement, with the goal to keep us scrolling, not to make us wiser or holier.
This creates a spiritual battle for us, because whatever captures our attention eventually influences our decision-making.
Paul in his letter to the Romans, pleaded with the readers,
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2
The important question becomes “Does outrage, comparison, distraction, and constant stimulation erode our spiritual sensitivity?”
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” - Proverbs 4:23
The battle for attention is ultimately a battle for the heart. What we repeatedly consume shapes what we desire. What we desire eventually shapes us.
Discernment
Another challenge of the AI era is the increasing difficulty of discerning truth.
Deepfake videos can make people appear to say things they never said. AI-generated articles can spread misinformation like wildfire. Personalized content feeds can isolate individuals into competing versions of reality.
This is not merely a technological problem for Christians but rather a discipleship problem.
Let’s remember that scripture is the ultimate authority:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1
It takes effort to test it against, and fight against mob mentality.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The more artificial words surround us, the more essential God's Word becomes.
Community Versus Simulation
Perhaps one of the most subtle dangers of AI is its ability to simulate relationships.
AI companions can provide conversation, affirmation, and even emotional support. For people who are lonely or isolated, this can seem appealing. Yet God never intended for us to become entangled with simulated companionship, He intended us to be in genuine community.
Biblical community relationships involve self-sacrifice, accountability, peace making, transparency, and building each other. They can be difficult, they can be messy because the sovereign God is providentially at work in difficult, messy people.
Algorithms cannot replace the experience of worshipping alongside believers, serving others, sharing burdens, or growing through real-life relationships.
We were intentionally created for communion with God and community with people.
Biblical Principles for Faithful Navigation
The goal is not fear. The goal is faithfulness.
Here are four biblical principles that can us navigate the intersection of faith and technology.
1. Stewardship, Not Slavery
Technology should help us serve God's purposes, not become the master our lives.
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23–24,
“‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
This reminds that not everything permissible is beneficial and Christians should regularly ask themselves these questions:
Is this tool helping me love God and others more?
Am I controlling this technology, or is it controlling me?
Would my spiritual life improve if I used it less?
The moment technology begins to define our identity, consume our attention, or replace our dependence on God, it has become an idol.
2. Discernment and Wisdom
A strong Christian view of AI begins with spiritual discernment. One simple, practical habit is to prioritize Scripture before screens.
Before opening news feeds, social media, or AI tools, spend time with God's Word. Let Scripture shape your worldview before doom scrolling.
Develop a habit of prayerfully evaluating new technologies. Not every innovation deserves immediate adoption. Seek the wisdom of God, and should I use something, rather defaulting to Christian liberty of I can use this.
3. Creativity and Rest
One often-overlooked aspect of bearing God's image is our capacity for creativity.
As AI automates more creative tasks, we should intentionally protect habits that keep us connected to embodied life. Writing, designing, building, cooking, and other forms of creativity serve to remind us that we are much more than consumers of content.
And we need rest. Sabbath remains a powerful act of resistance.
Add in fasting, take regular fasts from screens and algorithms helps recalibrate our hearts and set our focus on the One who has reclaimed our heart. It creates space for worship, reflection, relationships, and rest in God's presence.
4. Love Your Neighbor
Technology should ultimately be evaluated through the lens of love.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
The Christian response to AI should not be driven primarily by self-promotion, convenience, or personal gain. Instead we should ask:
How can this tool help me serve others?
Can I use technology to encourage, teach, or support someone in need?
Does my online presence reflect humility and Christlike love?
Faithful use of technology points beyond ourselves. It becomes a means of serving people rather than amplifying our own importance.
Conclusion: Holding Fast to What Makes Us Human
I am sure the future will bring technologies we can only imagine today. AI capabilities will evolve. Algorithms will become more sophisticated. And digital experiences will grow increasingly addictive.
The Truth remains unchanged: we are created in the image of God. AI will change, but the God who created us in His image never will. Praise Him!
The challenge for Christians is not avoiding technological dangers altogether. It is to engage technology with faith and to remain rooted in our identity as God's people. We can embrace innovation without surrendering much needed discernment. We can use tools without allowing them to creep on the throne. We can benefit from technology while remembering that our deepest needs are met only in Christ.
Take a moment and ask yourself: What is one area of my digital life that God may be calling me to surrender, reshape, or redeem?
For me, it’s a seemingly harmless scrolling on X before bed. That affects my sleep, which affects my worship, which, well, affects every about me.
The step for me to remedy is simple – stop. To set the boundary of no scrolling in bed.
Whatever the answer to that question and whatever that step looks like for you, begin there.
In an age filled with artificial words, let us remain anchored to the true Word. As John 1:1–4 reminds us, Christ is the eternal Word through whom all things were made and in whom is life. Technology certainly shapes the world around us, but only Jesus can transform the human heart.
Father God, help us remember that we are made on Your image. Your grace and mercy are gifts to us, make joy abound in us daily. We are grateful for tools you have provided to help us, please give us hearts to use those tools for the advancement of your Kingdom and to bring you glory. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.
Sweet brothers and sisters, I hope this has encouraged you today. If so — or if you have a question or need prayer — please leave a comment below.
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