Manna Minute Summer 23′

“Embracing God’s Truth: A Beacon in the Storm”

Brad Sylvester

 

In a world of shifting opinions and fluctuating values, it becomes crucial for us, as believers, to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God.  His truth is like a beacon in the storm, guiding us through the tumultuous waves of life.  God’s truth is unwavering, absolute and eternally relevant.  It serves as a firm foundation upon which we can build our lives.  When we align our thoughts, actions, and decisions with His truth, we find clarity, purpose and peace.

The Scriptures remind us that God’s truth is not merely a collection of principles or doctrines; it is alive and active, transforming out hearts and minds.  It is the light that dispels the darkness, the healing balm for our wounded souls, and the compass that leads us toward righteousness.

Yet, embracing God’s truth requires more than intellectual assent.  It necessitates a deep, personal relationship with Him, allowing His spirit to illuminate our understanding and convict our hearts.  As we study His Word, meditate upon it, and apply its teachings to our lives, we discover the transformative power of His truth.

In a world that often offers empty promises and temporary fixes, God’s truth remains a steadfast refuge.  It reveals our worth and identity as His beloved children, affirms our purpose, and provides eternal hope.

Today, let us seek to immerse ourselves in God’s truth, allowing it to shape our thoughts, mold our character, and guide our steps.  May we be a beacon of His truth in a world desperately in need of His unwavering light.

The preceding words are a response from ChatGPT to my simple  prompt: “Write a 200 word devotional regarding God’s truth.”  I then prompted: “Can you cite Scripture to support your devotional?”  The response: “Certainly!  Here are a few Scriptures  that support the themes discussed in the devotional: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.  “Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth.” John 17:17 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22  “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6  “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.  These verses highlight the significance of God’s word as a source of truth, guidance, and transformation in our lives.  They encourage us to not only hear or read God’s truth but to actively apply it and allow it to shape our character and actions.”

I then prompted: “”What about quotes from Christian authors in this regard?”  The response: “Certainly! ‘The Bible is the authoritative Word of God precisely because it is a human witness to divine revelation, not in spite of it’. (the late) Tim Keller.  ‘To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.’ William Carey. “God’s truth is not just a concept  to be memorized, it is a reality to be lived.’ Charles Swindoll.” And others…

As I understand Artificial Intelligence (AI), in response to a prompt the system searches the universe of available material looking for the “next word.”  As I watched the news of AI’s “roll-out,” Dr. David Dean’s words resonated in my memory banks, “Cogito ergo sum.  I think therefore I am.”  As the body of Christ, we need to be on guard not to let a machine do our thinking for us.  It is critical thought which gives rise to our emotional response to words.  I don’t know about you, but as I read ChatGPT’s response to my query above, I was left empty.  I saw words on a page, but I was not touched in any way to worship my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, nor to “devote” myself to His sovereign will for my life, which is after all the goal of any “devotional.”  

As the Lord tarries and “knowledge increases,” we all need to be circumspect as to AI, using it for the advancement of His Kingdom on earth and not as a crutch for lack of critical thinking, personal Bible study and prayerful submission to God’s will.  WE are charged to think God’s thoughts after HIM, not a data base.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.  I came up with that reference all by myself.

Something to think about.

 

Brad Sylvester is a member of the Berkshire Board of Trustees and a 1979 graduate of BCC. He and his wife Lori  make their home in South Windsor, CT.