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The Daily Devotional
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Beyond the Horizon of Our Imagination
“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” — 2 Timothy 1:7
Introduction
New technology often brings a mix of wonder and worry. We saw a glimpse of this shift on February 10, 1996, when IBM’s chess supercomputer, Deep Blue, defeated world champion Garry Kasparov for the first time in a regulation game. It was a major milestone in the story of Artificial Intelligence (AI), proving that machines could calculate and compete in ways we never thought possible.
Since that match, technology has advanced rapidly, and for many Christians, this speed creates anxiety. AI can feel powerful, confusing, and unknown. However, the Apostle Paul reminds us that fear is not our native language as believers. God calls us away from panic and toward a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. We are invited to approach the unknown not with trembling, but with wisdom and faithful discernment.
Reflection
To overcome fear, we must first understand what we are looking at. In plain terms, AI is simply a computer system designed to recognize patterns, make predictions, or generate outputs based on data it has been fed. It is a "narrow" tool, meaning it is usually built for specific tasks—like translating a language, recommending a song you might like, or organizing complex information. It is math and code, acting on instructions.
Equally important is understanding what AI is not. It is not divine, and it does not possess a soul, a conscience, or a spirit. It is not an objective source of ultimate truth; because it is built by humans and trained on human data, it can be biased or incorrect. Most importantly, no software can ever replace the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer, or the need for Scripture in our lives.
Fear often grows in the dark. When we don’t understand how something works, it is easy to imagine the worst. But Christians do not need to view technology as inherently demonic, nor should we accept it blindly as perfect. Our calling is to "test everything; hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We can use discernment to see these systems for what they are: powerful inventions that require wise hands.
Consider a GPS in your car. It is a helpful tool that analyzes traffic patterns to suggest the best route. However, a GPS can sometimes possess outdated maps or lead you down a closed road. You, the driver, must still use your eyes, your judgment, and your awareness of your surroundings. You don't let the GPS drive the car; you use it to help you navigate. In the same way, AI is a tool. It may offer information or speed, but it cannot offer wisdom. You are still the "driver," guided by the Holy Spirit.
Application
How can we walk in wisdom today? Here are a few practical steps:
Learn a little: Fear often vanishes when understanding begins. Instead of avoiding the topic, read a simple article about how AI works. Replace vague anxiety with concrete knowledge.
Practice discernment: Don’t outsource your conscience to a computer. If you use digital tools to find information, verify the results. Bring your decisions back to prayer and Scripture.
Set boundaries: If reading news about future technology makes you anxious, step back. Turn off the screen and spend time in creation or prayer to re-center yourself on the Creator, not the creation.
Use tools for good: Ask yourself, "How can this help me love my neighbor?" Whether it's using a translation tool to speak to someone new or a scheduling tool to make time for family, use technology to serve people, not replace them.
Conclusion
Artificial Intelligence is a significant development in our world, but it is not the master of our world. Tools will change, but the nature of God remains the same. We can replace our fear of the unknown with trust in the One who knows all things. Our confidence does not rest in the stability of machines, but in the steady, loving presence of the Lord.
Walk boldly today, knowing you are equipped with a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
Prayer
Lord of all wisdom, we confess that we are sometimes frightened by how fast the world changes. When we see new technologies that we do not fully understand, we feel small and uncertain. Please replace our spirit of fear with Your spirit of power and sound judgment. Help us to see these new inventions not as idols or threats, but as tools that require Your guidance to use well. Grant us the discernment to know what is true and the courage to hold fast to what is good. Teach us to use tools with love and humility, ensuring that our reliance is always upon You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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