Romans 12:2 says we should not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. What does that mean for how we use artificial intelligence?
by Barend van der Westhuizen
We live in a world full of technology—smartphones, smart cars, the internet, YouTube, television, Apple Vision Pro, drone warfare, and much more. One invention that has drawn a lot of attention recently is AI (Artificial Intelligence).
AI is used in many applications like ChatGPT, Grok, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, and others. If you ask ChatGPT, “What are you?” you might get an answer like:
- “I’m ChatGPT, an AI developed by OpenAI. I can help answer questions, assist with writing, solve problems, generate ideas, and more. Think of me as an expert assistant you can chat with …”
Microsoft describes Copilot as:
- “Copilot represents a major step forward in how humans and machines work together.”
Grok says:
- “I’m Grok 3, an AI built by xAI to answer your questions with truth-seeking as my top priority …”
And Elon Musk has said:
- “I think the real issue, the most likely issue, is how to find meaning in a world where AI can do everything we can do, only better. That might be the biggest challenge.”
The Christian and artificial intelligence
So, what should Christians think about AI?
Romans 12:2 gives us a clear answer:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
We are called to renew our minds. But where does this renewal come from? Who gives us real truth? It’s not Grok. It’s not ChatGPT. The real source of truth is God’s Word.
Jesus said:
I am the way and the truth and the life.
John 14:6
Even in a world where AI seems to be able to do everything better than we can, Christians still have deep meaning and purpose. Our worth doesn’t come from performance—it comes from the Lord.
How to use AI without becoming artificial
The world is pushing us more and more toward artificial living. Here are some helpful guidelines for Christians who want to use AI wisely:
- AI can be a basic tool to search for information—just like Google or other search engines.
- If you use AI to do your work and pretend it’s your own, you are being dishonest. That’s wrong.
- If AI replaces your relationship with God or others, it’s being misused.
- If AI becomes your first source for life’s most important questions, that’s a sign something is off.
- The Lord warns against hypocrisy. If a pastor uses AI to “sound impressive” or “pray beautifully,” it’s not genuine worship. As Hebrews 10:22 says: “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart …”
- We must not use AI to impress others with how clever or spiritual we seem. Otherwise we will be as those spoken about in Matthew 15:8: “These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
- Don’t use AI to appear more knowledgeable or important just to gain praise from others.
- Remember the Bible’s many “one another” verses. God gave us each other to live in real, sincere relationships. Don’t let technology replace real life.
- We often spend hours on screens, with little time left for the real world. Make space to live life away from your device.
Life is more than facts and data
The world often tries to reduce us to our performance or intelligence. But that’s not where our identity lies. We don’t find our value in being smart or successful. We receive our worth from God. As people created by Him, each of us has a unique identity—we are his handiwork.
Through grace, we are given the identity of children of God, heirs, and beloved people—because of what Christ has done. Live in the fullness of your humanity. There’s no one else like you. And AI can never replace you.
Live for God’s glory, using your unique gifts, your personality, and your Spirit-renewed heart.
