Go back to 4th-grade math. Arithmetic memorization was the only acceptable way to solve math problems. Yet, as we got that down, we eventually took out our calculators to solve the puzzles without working it out in our minds. It was so much faster this way! The result: We flew through math and even accomplished many more sophisticated puzzles than before.

Now, imagine you had never learned arithmetic to know that 4×4=16; or, that the square root of 9 is 3. You’d be subject to the calculator to tell you what is true.

Fast forward to today’s world, which is searching for a King to give them the answers. To avoid thinking for ourselves, we outsource this responsibility and become subject to someone or something else. Quite simply, it seems safer to take directions from a machine. If something goes wrong, it is the computer’s fault, not mine.


Here is where we lose our souls. Stay with me…

To be clear, I don’t mean salvation.  As a follower of Jesus, you’ve been reborn already through Jesus’ work. Your spirit is alive and eternal. Our souls are made new by the transformation of our mind by the Holy Spirit.

So, here’s the point: To be human is to think for ourselves. Where we lose our souls and humanity is by outsourcing our faith and trust to machines, to media, and to men that would direct us toward the world’s deceit.

Consider this: Are we giving our soul’s direction to the outsourced vendors of the world?

We have become less human if we give our souls to machines, to media, or to other men (aka celebrities of any kind are idols).  Being human and following Jesus is to persevere toward answers from God persistently. Our faith and trust should instead remain in the soul’s work of His hope in us.

In application, How does this soul loss happen?


Machines: The rapid change cycle AI has brought in 90 days brings grand thoughts of hope and fear. However, our devices (phones, watches, etc.) have been installed with infrastructure that not only tells us how to think, but also how to feel.

How do you feel? Do you have more hope or fear because of these machines? 


Media: The use of gossip and speculation has been monstrously monetized. How much fear is being multiplied through media?

How are those media news sources making you feel? Have they stolen part of your soul’s hope?

Men: From guys like me, to podcasters, to pastors… all of us have messages for you. However, all must filter through your study of Scripture and hearing from God. Remember the Bereans who validated and corrected all they heard.

Are you pursuing God’s Word and discerning the truth?


Measure your soul like this – how much hope, joy, peace, and patience am I sustaining right now? Am I short on these? Have I drifted into anxiousness or fear? 

Make a choice and don’t outsource your soul.

In your corner,
Jeff

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