For the past 35 years I’ve faithfully been reading Oswald Chambers’ devotional My Utmost for His Highest.
The late Rev. Richard Halverson, chaplain of the U.S Senate way back then, suggested I get my hands on a copy of the book first published by Chambers’ wife shortly after his death more than 100 years ago.
One of my favorite readings is his take on Abram pitching his tent between Bethel and Ai found in Genesis 12. Here are the words of Moses found in verses 8 and 9:
“From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.”
“Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
GEnesis 12:1
Earlier in that chapter we are told the Lord commanded Abram “… Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
Now that took true devotion for Abram to leave his family and go wherever God would be sending him and his household and all his possessions.
The life of Abram and his wife, Sarai, is an interesting study in biblical history. I believe we are told of this particular incident in Scripture for a distinct purpose.
The town of Bethel represents a place of holiness while Ai represents the ways of this present world. Abram pitched his tent in the valley separating these two towns only 1½ miles apart!
We, too, must face the dilemma of living in this world some distance from our Heavenly Father. This world is not our home.
Here we are now being confronted nearly 5,000 years later by a very different AI (artificial intelligence). If we are not careful, this new AI may consume us and draw us away from our relationship with God.
In fact, for many AI may already have become the idol they have chosen to follow and even worship.
Now, let me share my position on this fairly new discipline my younger brother, Pat Langley, helped pioneer more than 45 years ago.
I see this relatively new field as a wonderful boon to mankind, but it must be harnessed. We, too, must pitch our tent between God’s covenants and this latest advancement in technology.
We must harness the potential power and not lose sight of the true Creator of all.
He has in turn given us the knowledge to create technological advancements that can be used for great good.
What we must certainly not do is start worshipping what He has allowed us to create.
Throughout the centuries many have fallen away from God and become enamored in their worship of what humanity has created. How foolish we can be!
There is only one God, and He deserves our devotion and admiration for all that exists. Be cautious folks. Don’t let what has been created to one day lord over you!
Let me close with these words of wisdom in Scripture from 2 Peter 3:18-19: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”