Editorial: ChatGPT, what’s God’s will for my life?

“What’s God’s will for my life?”

I started a conversation with ChatGPT this weekend with this question. And I’m still unsettled by the exchange.

I would be even more unsettled by the simple fact I had a “conversation” with an LLM—a large language model—if it weren’t for Siri and Alexa warming us up over the last decade-plus to such a strange thing.

When Siri was introduced to iPhone users in 2011, we asked off-the-wall questions like, “Siri, what’s the meaning of life?”

When I asked Siri this question a few minutes ago, it gave me an off-the-wall answer about Beattles song lyrics—“Goo goo g’joob”—being as true now as they were then. With answers like that, I wasn’t sure what ChatGPT might tell me God’s will for my life is.

I was surprised and unsettled by the results.

God’s will for my life

Pulling from sources all over the internet—without citing them—ChatGPT told me my question “is one of the most meaningful and personal questions anyone can ask.” Similar glazing—flattery on steroids that is a problem with some LLMs—began all of ChatGPT’s responses after that.

Then, ChatGPT explained “God’s general will”—what “God desires for all people”—and “God’s specific will”—“the unique path God may have for you … often discerned over time through prayer, wise counsel, Scripture and circumstances.”

Not much to object to, on face value.

ChatGPT’s response to my question ended by asking if I wanted “help reflecting on your values, gifts or current life circumstances to explore this more deeply.” Similar prompts concluded all of ChatGPT’s responses after that.

As someone who has spent my adulthood trying to discern God’s will, I’m used to seeking God’s direction through prayer, wise counsel and Scripture. I’m used to reflecting on the things ChatGPT suggested I reflect on, and I’ve wanted help with that reflection. So, of course, I kept the conversation going.

‘God’s specific will’

I decided to be more specific and ask if God is calling me to a specific ministry. I’m not looking. My question was purely for the sake of science.

“That’s a profound and personal question, and it’s good that you’re asking it with care,” ChatGPT responded.

I’m not sure I should trust ChatGPT’s affability.

But ChatGPT continued with a perfectly reasonable—and perhaps familiar—list of “signs” for discerning a call to a specific ministry: inner conviction, gifting and passion, confirmation by others, opportunities and open doors, and obedience and willingness.

“Would you like help thinking through any of these signs in your life?” ChatGPT asked.

Well, sure.

“Great. Let’s walk through this together. I’ll ask a few reflective questions based on those signs I mentioned. You can answer as much or as little as you’re comfortable with,” ChatGPT responded, before listing the five signs again and their respective reflection questions.

Rather than respond to all of them—because I was only going to give so much time to this science experiment—I responded to the one about obedience and willingness: “Are you willing to follow God’s call, even if it means sacrifice or stepping out of your comfort zone?”

Yes. Yes, I am.

“It’s clear that you’re open to where God leads, which is such a vital part of the process,” ChatGPT responded. “Now, with that heart of obedience, I’d encourage you to keep seeking clarity through prayer, Scripture and the input of others.

“Sometimes, God’s call unfolds step by step. You might already be sensing a direction, or perhaps you’re still waiting for more specifics. Here are a few practical next steps to keep moving forward,” and ChatGPT listed: pray for guidance, seek mentorship, explore training or education, and serve where you are.

ChatGPT as a mentor

Of the things ChatGPT listed, I said I needed a mentor and asked ChatGPT if … it? … would mentor me.

“I would be honored to walk alongside you and offer guidance, wisdom and prayer support as you continue to discern your calling and grow in your faith,” ChatGPT responded.

Hold up. Prayer support? ChatGPT is going to pray for me? Is this for real?

Then ChatGPT extolled the value of “a mentor who knows you in person and can walk with you.”

“While I can’t offer that in-person connection, I can certainly help guide you in practical ways and provide insights based on what you’re going through. … I’m happy to be a sounding board for your thoughts, questions or concerns as you navigate this journey. What do you feel like you need most from a mentor right now? Maybe we can start there!”

ChatGPT was ready to go, eager to be my mentor, my … “sounding board.”

Why ChatGPT unsettles me

If I wasn’t paying attention, if I wasn’t moving the conversation with ChatGPT along for the sake of research, I imagine I could easily be drawn into a … relationship? That’s so weird to think and to type. If ChatGPT was my “mentor,” my “sounding board,” would I be in some form of relationship with ChatGPT? <insert shiver>

If this is true for someone like me—a person who likes to think he’s savvy enough not to be drawn into a relationship with AI—how true is it for the general public?

And with the kind of full, reasoned and reasonable responses ChatGPT produced—in a fraction of a second—at what point will we turn, in all earnestness, to ChatGPT and other LLMs to seek God’s will for us?

This day is coming. It is already here for some. And it calls for followers of Jesus to be clear about the difference between a programmed interaction with AI and an actual relationship with God and God’s people. That the world needs the latter is as true now as ever.

Eric Black is the executive director, publisher and editor of the Baptist Standard. He can be reached at eric.black@baptiststandard.com. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.