What do you think about AI (Artificial Intelligence)? Do you use ChatGPT or other forms of AI? The development of computers and machines taking over human tasks (the basis of AI) was theoretical and fantasy for movies like Terminator and Blade Runner. However, AI is now a very real and quickly growing function in our modern world. It is being used in a plethora of ways that include self-driving cars, all kinds of writing, call centers and lots more. Some people think AI is fantastic, and they’re excited about how computers can help us do more. Other people are skeptical and even afraid about the possibilities of machines not only running our world but taking over and dominating human existence. When everything gets distilled into the most basic pieces, AI is Artificial Intelligence.
As a precursor to artificial intelligence, humanity has developed in part on the backbone of human intelligence (HI). If we look back over the millennia of human existence, we see our progression, starting with God’s creation of the world and humankind. Over time, we have created increasingly sophisticated systems of governance with rules, laws, constitutions and political philosophies. And we have become more and more proficient in our understanding and usage of the amazing natural resources that God has put in the earth. Furthermore, we have developed very complicated studies in Math, Physics, Linguistics, Education, Literature, Physics, Astronomy and heaps more. Truly, it’s incredible to consider the immense scope and breadth of human intelligence!
At the very top of the intelligence spectrum, let’s consider that Divine Intelligence (DI) far surpasses any kind of artificial or human intelligence—thank God! Let’s take a moment to consider the differences between human and divine intelligence or wisdom. We read about these contrasts in James 3:13-17, which says:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
In reading these verses, it’s interesting to note the characteristics that go with human wisdom: bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Both of these characteristics are found throughout all of human history, despite our many inventions and improvements.
On the other hand, divine wisdom or intelligence has very different characteristics. Consider the list of these characteristics in verse 17: pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. When I read this list, these characteristics are lots more appealing to me than the descriptions that go with human wisdom.
To this end, let’s be committed to pursuing divine wisdom as our top priority, superseding any human or artificial intelligence. As we go after divine wisdom, we can experience the good things listed in James 3:17—purity, peace, gentleness, reasonableness, overflowing mercy and good fruits, steadiness and the absence of hypocrisy.
Let’s pause, reflect and assess what kind of wisdom we are pursuing, which will help us to recalibrate and live in God’s wisdom with godly results!
