MY DREAM ABOUT AI

Yesterday I posted some of my current thoughts and process about the use of AI. Based on the responses I’ve received, I knew this issue needed more attention. So last night I asked the Lord to give me a dream about AI. I wanted to know if He had anything He wanted us to know about it….

I dreamt I was at home and heard something at the front door. I saw that it was slightly ajar so I opened it further to see what was there. I looked around the corner and saw a huge shaggy brown dog right outside the door sniffing around as if looking for a way in. Not knowing how tame or friendly it was, I quickly tried to shut the door without it noticing. But it saw me and tried to stick its nose in the door so I couldn’t close it. I didn’t necessarily sense any danger, but I didn’t like the fact this dog was trying to get inside. Thankfully, even though the dog kept pressing, I was able to get the door shut.

At that point, I called my husband to come check it out as it seemed our front door may not be very secure.

Then the scene shifted and instead of the regular wooden door, I now saw the entire front entrance to my house as one thick glass wall with a huge glass door in front of me that could easily swing out. My hand was still on the handle. But it wasn’t the turn knob of the other wooden door, but a push lever that could be opened by simple pressing down. And now instead of the large brown shaggy dog, I saw another large dog that looked familiar. It looked just like our daughter’s large white standard poodle. It had the same shaggy hair on its head with a shaved neck and body. It also acted like her dog in that he was very happy to see me and insistent on coming inside.

It was clear that he had been running around the house looking for a way in to be with us. He wasn’t an aggressive pet, but he was large enough to cause some damage without supervision. Because of his size, his eagerness to please could easily knock things over and even topple small children. I could also see that he was fully capable of reaching up and pulling down the door handle to get in. That’s why I had to keep my hand on the handle until we could find a better way to secure the entrance.

Then, out from behind the house came, what appeared to be, this dogs owner. The man was clearly tracking this dog and aware of its activities. What struck me was how much the man looked like the dog with white shaggy hair on top. They almost looked like a pair of twins. He was reserved and aloof, and seemed to be following his pet to monitor its activities and whereabouts. I didn’t sense any immediate danger, but also didn’t feel comfortable with this level of familiarity with my home. I knew I needed to secure things better. That was the dream.

For those who read my post yesterday about AI, I had described it like “an unruly pet” that needed training. So, maybe that’s why the Holy Spirit chose to use this same analogy to answer my question about AI:-).

Here are some of the clues and insights I find:

THE DOG represents AI technology. Currently, there is no major threat to people, but we need to be intentional in how we are going to deal with its presence. AI is sniffing around our hearts and homes, looking for a way in. And just like a family pet, it can be trained and directed if we take the time to do it. But AI definitely wants to gain access and become familiar with us. And it has the potential to cause serious damage if we aren’t prepared to direct it and maintain our authority over it. And based on how the Lord is presenting this, I believe He wants to assure us that WE are the ones with the upper hand here, and that this technology needs to be contained and directed properly.

THE LARGE GLASS WALL illustrates how online activities bring greater transparency to our lives. The level of our interactions and the kinds of things we share will ultimately determine what is seen and known to those looking in. This is not a right or wrong issue as much as an awareness and the alert to plan accordingly. The issue in the dream was not necessarily the glass wall (as I could tell it was very thick and solid), but the lack of security in gaining entrance.

THE DOG’S OWNER confirms that AI does not act on its own. AI is being monitored and tracked to watch its progress in how it moves and functions among the populace. And AI is reflecting the image of its masters and creators, acting according to how it is programmed and trained. Thus, the focus should not be solely on the technology itself, but on those who are behind it. They are the true source of any potential threat.

THE DOOR HANDLE is the primary focus of this dream. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to secure our hearts and our homes from any unwanted intrusion of AI. We need to get a handle on how to interact with AI in a way that is beneficial and not detrimental. We must put safeguards in place in how much access we give to it. We must be intentional in the directions we give it and establish clear boundaries in how much freedom it has within our lives.

I did not sense any fear in the dream. But I believe it is an alert. Just as a pet can be a meaningful addition to a home, it can also become a nuisance if it is not given direction. The Lord is urging us to take note and determine practical steps in how we interact with AI, fully acknowledging its benefits and its risks. Regardless of any intended nefarious purpose in the future, WE are the ones who will determine its impact on our own lives right now.

There’s no question that AI will continually evolve as it is being watched and monitored. There are various theories and prophetic warnings being given about its ultimate goal. Yet, if those predictions stir up fear, I would be slow to embrace them. Our God is much bigger than AI or any beast system.

The Lord is reminding us of the authority He has given us to “…rule in the midst of your enemies.” (Psalm 110:2 ESV) We will always have unseen enemies who are intent on opposing God and deceiving the masses.

But the authority is already ours.
The question is whether or not we will use it.