The Surprising Cost of Outsourcing Your Mind

We’ve all met that person who says, “Just Google it.” Now we’re meeting people who say, “Just ask ChatGPT.” That’s not entirely bad, but it’s not entirely good either. Artificial intelligence can stretch our minds by exposing us to ideas, perspectives, and arguments we might otherwise miss. It’s like a sparring partner who never tires, pushing us to clarify, refine, and defend our reasoning.

But here’s the catch: if we let AI do the heavy lifting for us, we risk outsourcing the very muscles of thought we need most. What starts as a helpful prompt can become a crutch. Leaders and ministers must guard against this temptation. Critical thinking, after all, is not just about reaching conclusions. It is about the process of wrestling with truth.

John Stuart Mill warned long ago, “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.” (On Liberty, 1859). AI can widen our exposure, but it cannot guarantee depth. Only disciplined thinkers, people committed to testing ideas against Scripture, history, and reason, can lead wisely in this moment.

AI may be clever, but discernment requires more than cleverness. It requires courage, patience, and, most importantly, the Spirit’s guidance.