God's Goal For Our Lives

"Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." - Genesis 1:26 

From the beginning of humankind, God's goal for us was for us to become like Him. Not to strive for divinity, which of course, is not possible for mere mortals, but to resolve in our body, mind and soul to conform to the image of God. 

At the beginning, when God first uttered the words listed above, sin had not entered the equation. Adam and Eve were perfect in body, mind and soul. Their relationship with God was devoted, pure and transparent in all ways, until . . . 

Sin.

And at this point did God's goal for His creation waver? Did He say, "Okay, let's reboot this whole project and start over? No. He immediately set forth a way, a plan for our redemption and for justice to reign over all that evil has corrupted in this world.

"History Raises Its Eyebrows at the Week in AI" by Peggy Noonan

What was artificial intelligence created to do? It can find cures and solve math problems. It may cause catastrophe and widespread loss of life. But what was it invented to do? What was its originating purpose?

The question is always met by silence. It’s “the next step.” It’s been the dream of science fiction for a century.

Here is part of the answer. I was in Kansas on an early summer morning 20 years ago. A soft breeze, a gathering warmth. I got into my host’s car. He jacked up the air conditioning and hit the gas. Outside, balmy and natural, inside things turned freezing. I asked, “Why do Americans do this, blast up the AC when a summer day feels good?” He thought. “Because we can.”

So with AI: Because we can. We’ll dream up the benefits (which are real) and later concede the risk (AI agents may hack into the electric grid serving Chicago in an operation so deep, broad and confounding it won’t be fully up and back for months).

The benefits and risk cloak more central driving factors among AI titans: the will to power, the desire for wealth, the hunger to be in charge. The sheer technological sweetness, too—the hard problem followed by the elegant answer. Scientists involved in technological breakthroughs always have a sweet spot.

"Romans 8:28 - 9:6 by Skip Heitzig

The Pastor of Calvary Church, (mentored by Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel), Skip Heitzig, started a Wednesday Night series in the 1980's that featured a teaching focused on progressing through the entire Bible, one book at a time. I love his conversational style and grounded theology. The following video focuses on the book of Romans, chapter 8 through chapter 9. 

 

Heartbreak Songs - Part IV

Seeing that I recently passed the milestone of my second year of being divorced, this event motivated me to share a few of the "Heartbreak Songs" that have kept me company during this particular season of my life.

This is the last post in this series, and I left the best for the end. This song cuts to the core within seconds of hearing those opening chords. (Also, great job on the piano by Bruce Hornsby!) If these can be of help to anyone unfortunate enough to being stuck in the mires of heartbreak, here you go!

P.S. - You will get through this!

I Can't Make You Love Me (by Bonnie Raitt)

Turn down the lights

Turn down the bed

Turn down these voices inside my head

Lay down with me

Tell me no lies

Just hold me close, don't patronize

Don't patronize me