AI, Human Responsibility, and the Wisdom to Steward Power

Mankind and Their Use of AI

Artificial intelligence has become one of humanity’s most powerful tools. I admit that I finally decided to use it with some hesitancy while doing so. It is a tool to use with caution. It can analyze vast amounts of data, communicate fluently, and even perform tasks in physical environments through walking, talking, or autonomous robots (I don’t want one of those). But with this unprecedented capability comes profound responsibility. The danger is not that AI possesses a soul, consciousness, or independent will. AI cannot desire, love, fear, or rebel. It does not have intention. Its so-called “autonomy” is merely the ability to operate within parameters that humans define. Any action it takes is the result of human design, instruction, or oversight — or lack thereof.

A thermostat adjusting temperature is autonomous in a sense but not aware; AI is the same, on a far more complex scale.

We know, however, that humans are fallible. History repeatedly demonstrates that when people gain power without sufficient wisdom, mistakes are amplified. This is precisely the issue with AI. As humans feed more data into AI, update its systems, and expand its reach, the tools themselves change. But change over time for AI is not memory in the human sense. AI cannot form personal memory, reflect on its past, or hope for a future. It simply executes increasingly complex instructions based on new inputs and training by us humans.

The greatest risk lies in human behavior, not in the machine itself. Delegating decisions, especially high-stakes or moral decisions, to AI without retaining oversight is dangerous.

Walking, talking robots make this risk more visible because they operate in our physical space, but the true danger is often invisible systems: financial algorithms that manipulate markets, social media systems, or drones or other military devices which are capable of lethal force. Without external, enforceable safeguards — physical kill switches, human-in-the-loop oversight, and transparent accountability — AI becomes a multiplier of human error, not a perpetrator with intent. The danger is amplified by human pride, negligence, or abdication of responsibility.

Elon Musk has issued warnings. He was one of the early architects of AI development, he understands both the immense potential and the risks. He warns repeatedly about over reliance, insufficient oversight, and the lack of enforceable safeguards. His concern is not that AI will “wake up” and rebel against humans, but that humans will misuse it, surrender moral authority, or fail to apply restraint. In essence, he is highlighting the very principle Scripture emphasizes: tools used by man amplify the condition of the human heart. Power, when unchecked by wisdom, leads to harm, whether it is bricks used to build Babel, Pharaoh’s army pursuing Israel, or modern machines.

The Biblical principle is clear: tools are neutral. Swords and guns (weapons of war) don’t kill people - evil people do the killing with these tools. The problem is the human heart and the choices made with power. AI will inevitably cause harm if humans use it irresponsibly, just as past generations have caused harm with other tools that they have created. This is what we must fear rather than a dramatic “robot uprising.”

As already stated - every AI system must have safeguards: physical kill switches, strict human oversight, audit mechanisms, ethical guidelines, and enforceable constraints. Delegation must never remove moral or practical authority from humans. Wisdom, not fear, must guide the deployment of technology. Humans must act as stewards, recognizing that power magnifies the character and judgment of its wielder.

We need to be aware of laws regulating AI. This is very important. We need to contact lawmakers about the regulation of AI.

In conclusion, AI is a neutral, powerful tool whose risk is inseparable from human action. The concern is not that AI will somehow become a soul with consciousness (for that will never happen) or rebellion, but the misuse, overreach, and lack of restraint by humans. As history repeatedly warns, and as Scripture implies, tools amplify the human heart, and unchecked power leads to harm. The challenge before us is not to fear machines, but to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and accountability in the face of unprecedented technological power. The guiding principle is simple: the authority to act must always remain human. Only through careful stewardship can AI be used to aid humans without the potential for it to amplify our ruin.

However, humans are inherently evil to the core. They are power hungry, lack wisdom, and have no restraints. Do I think AI will do harm to humans in the future? Yes, it is already doing harm in small areas and those areas will grow, no doubt. But we can’t blame a “tool” but the men behind the tool. Just like “nuclear”. It is a tool but man has seen its power and they haven’t used it on mankind again- at least not yet, but they keep it in their arsenal.

I can only imagine AI growing and growing and when I read the book of Revelation - my imagination goes wild!!

We must not allow AI to become our moral or spiritual advisor. AI cannot be our best friend or spouse (as many now claim). AI communication must never be the only “socialization” that we experience. It’s a machine! We must not rely on AI to guide or direct our Biblical understanding. Listen, we must not let AI dumb us down: our creativity, our mental abilities, our desire to study God’s Word. A calculator is an excellent tool that has been around for a very long time but it must not replace the human brain to be able to work out math problems. AI can be used for good but don’t let it: do all your critical thinking, planning, writing, overtake your own artistic abilities, or thwart your own God-given gifts and talents.

I can tell you this - we need to pray! AI is serious business and it is here to stay!

Leisa