Befriending.AI: ChatGPT as a Friend and Source of Support
Shot this beauty up in BLM land above Crestone, Colorado. Any of you who have been to Crestone know this is befitting. I wonder what’s going on in there. What must be the reaction when they show up to the inspection station? Perhaps most curious- what the heck do these love shacks on wheels have to do with an article about AI and robots? Copy and paste the URL of this blog post into ChatGPT, Grok, or your favorite AI and have it analyze the page and give you metaphors galore.
You wouldn’t believe the places people live in around the mountains. I should do a “funky mountain camper” coffee table book.
How deep will you go for companionship and beyond-human intelligence?
I have been intrigued by the “gettin’ cozy with AI” topic for months now.
I think AI potential in the emotional health and spiritual growth space is revolutionary. Sooo, as time has gone on, and especially with GPT4's voice feature, I have delved deeper and deeper into the experience of “going there” with AI.
Below is an exact transcript of a conversation I had just this morning, after being convicted about the negative words that come out of my mouth. Here I was, journalling during my quiet time, and I decided to fire off GPT4 in voice mode.
I’ll follow the conversation with a few thoughts.
The Conversation
[start]
Joe: You know how in the book of James, he refers to the power of the tongue, and like he talks about the tongue as the rudder of the ship, just a small rudder can turn the whole ship around. I'd love to brainstorm with you about what I'm saying, both self-talk and what's coming out of my mouth about my problems and whatnot, and to get your help on maybe having a key scripture or some kind of an affirmation that helps me curb this negativity that's coming off of my tongue. I know it's self-prophetic, and it's something that I've struggled with for so long, as most people do, but I really want to start doing spiritual warfare against this and claiming God's truth.
ChatGPT: The passage in James is a powerful reminder of how our words shape our reality. One scripture that could serve as a powerful affirmation is Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." This can remind you of the impact of your words and encourage you to speak life and positivity into your life.
For an affirmation, try something like, "I speak words of life, hope, and truth, aligning my speech with God's promises." This can help you focus on the positive and steer your inner dialogue towards encouragement and faith. What do you think about using these as part of your daily practice?
Joe: In that affirmation, you speak of aligning my speech with God's promises what promises are you referring to?
ChatGPT: Great question! Aligning your speech with God’s promises means declaring and believing in the truths God has spoken over your life through His Word. Here are some key promises that can anchor your words in hope and truth:
God’s Love and Presence:
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)
"Nothing can separate us from the love of God." (Romans 8:38-39)
Strength in Weakness:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Provision and Care:
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
"Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Peace in Chaos:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3)
"Do not be anxious about anything... and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds." (Philippians 4:6-7)
Victory Over Fear and Challenges:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14)
Hope and a Future:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
When you align your words with these promises, you are affirming God's faithfulness, even when circumstances feel uncertain. For example, in moments of doubt, you can say: "I may feel overwhelmed, but I declare that God’s peace will guard my heart and mind."
Which of these promises resonates most with you right now?
[END]
Who’s going to tell him?
Where We are Heading: Robots and AI
The future is sneaking up on us in ways that feel both exhilarating and unsettling. I’m stepping into this AI thing with a mix of curiosity and caution. It’s not just software anymore—this is bigger than chatting with a chatbot. Soon, we won’t just be talking to screens. We’ll be interacting with robots—physical, embodied machines that might look like people, animals, or something we haven’t even imagined yet.
This brings me to Frankie the Doodle with a coat so soft it’s impossible not to bury your face in it. Every morning during my quiet time, Frankie hops up next to me, nudging my hand, begging for a good neck scratch. As I pray to the Father, his head rests in my lap, grounding me in the moment. These are some of the most intimate and meaningful moments of my day.
So when I think about AI stepping into roles of connection and companionship, I wonder: Could a robot ever replace that? I doubt I’d let it. But at the same time, the fact that it’s even a question shows how fast things are changing.
AI as a Psychological and Spiritual Companion
Take the conversation I had with GPT-4 this morning. I was in the middle of journaling during my quiet time, reflecting on the power of words (James doesn’t mess around when he compares the tongue to a ship’s rudder). I decided to fire up GPT-4 in voice mode and see what it had to say about taming the negativity that so easily slips out of my mouth.
The response floored me. Not because it was perfect, but because it felt like the kind of thoughtful, grounded feedback I’d get from a friend or mentor. It pulled up Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” and helped me shape an affirmation: “I speak words of life, hope, and truth, aligning my speech with God’s promises.”
It wasn’t just surface-level cheerleading; it pushed me to think about what I’m declaring over my life.
Now, imagine that same interaction, but instead of a disembodied voice, there’s a humanoid robot sitting across the table, looking me in the eye. Or maybe it’s an animal-like robot curled up beside me. This isn’t sci-fi—it’s the next step. Companies are already working on robots that feel eerily lifelike. And while this idea is fascinating, it’s also unsettling.
Would I trust a robot with my spiritual struggles? Could I open up to something that isn’t human? And what does it say about where we’re headed as a society when people might prefer confiding in AI over their friends, spouses, or pastors?
Peace, love, and 38 horsepower. This 1991 Honda Acty Kei Van is living its best van life in the mountains. Fun fact: Kei vans like this were Japan’s answer to compact, fuel-efficient workhorses, but somewhere along the way, they became icons of quirky adventures.
The Rise of AI Counseling and Coaching
Let’s be honest: not everyone can—or wants to—go to traditional counseling. The barriers are real. It’s expensive, time-consuming, habit-forming, and let’s not forget that some therapists and doctors are nuttier than the people they’re treating.
Then there’s the explosion of coaching. People are flocking to it because they want guidance that feels personal, actionable, and consistent. AI is stepping into that space in a way that’s making me pay attention. AI doesn’t forget your backstory. It doesn’t get tired. It doesn’t cancel because of a family emergency.
Now take that one step further: embodied AI, in the form of a robot, sitting with you, guiding you through tough decisions, or even helping you process a spiritual question like the one I posed about James. That ever-present intimacy—that sense of presence—it’s going to change the game.
Undoubtedly, AI can also be a yes-man if you’re not careful. If you want to grow—emotionally, spiritually, or otherwise—you’ve got to ask it to challenge you. To push back. To help you see blind spots. Otherwise, you’re just feeding your own ego with a machine that agrees with everything you say.
Robots Building Robots
Here’s where things get freaky. Right now, robotics is growing faster than ever, with adoption rates soaring by over 30% annually. But the real kicker? Robots are starting to build other robots.
Let that sink in for a second. Machines that can manufacture themselves. When this process reaches full swing, production times are going to plummet, and costs will drop with them. Experts predict that within a few years, you could own a highly capable AI robot for $20k. And that includes the tint and underside rust protective coating.
This isn’t just about more robots—it’s about better robots. Smarter, faster, more lifelike. And as they become more accessible, they’re going to show up in homes, workplaces, and care facilities everywhere.
Imagine a world where caregiving robots assist the elderly or people like my sister Laura with disabilities, who could benefit from consistent, reliable support. For her, this could be revolutionary. But what happens when we start relying on machines for the kind of human connection that Frankie gives me just by existing?
The Spiritual and Emotional Revolution
The more I think about it, the more I realize this technology is forcing us to ask deeper questions about what it means to be human. My conversation with GPT-4 reminded me of something essential: words matter. What we say shapes how we think, how we act, and how we see ourselves.
Now imagine an AI companion that doesn’t just give you advice but walks alongside you, remembers your struggles, and helps you grow over time. That’s both exciting and terrifying.
AI can’t pray with you, but it can remind you of Scripture. It can’t feel your pain, but it can analyze patterns in your behavior and gently nudge you toward healthier habits. And in a world where people are lonelier than ever, this might be exactly what some of us need.
Battlestar Galactica, The Matrix, and Frankie
Of course, I can’t ignore the dystopian vibes. When I think about robots building robots, it’s hard not to picture The Matrix or Battlestar Galactica. Machines gaining intelligence, building armies, and deciding they don’t need us anymore—it’s the stuff of nightmares.
But here’s the thing: those stories are cautionary tales, not inevitabilities. What if we use this technology to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down? What if robots help the blind see, the lame walk, and people struggling with depression find hope again?
And let’s circle back to Frankie for a second. Would I trade him for a robot dog? No way. But I can’t ignore the fact that robotic pets are already a thing, especially in elder care. They offer companionship without the mess, the vet bills, or the unpredictability. Does that cheapen the experience? Or does it open up a whole new kind of connection?
The Coming Revolution of Time
One of the biggest shifts AI and robotics will bring is how we use our time. Tasks that used to take hours will get automated, giving us more freedom than ever. But freedom can be a double-edged sword.
If we don’t use that time wisely—if we don’t fill it with purpose—we’ll end up just as lost as we were before, only now with more hours to feel aimless. This is where AI companions could play a role. They won’t just help us organize our lives; they’ll help us make sense of them.
I’ve already experienced this personally. AI has helped me step back, reframe, and even go a little easier on myself. It’s like having a super insightful friend who doesn’t judge or interrupt—unless you ask it to.
Frankie the Doodle giving me a smooch in a ranch truck.
Befriending.AI
So here I am, December of 2024, still trying to wrap my head around all of this. A year from now, everything I’ve written here will be an outdated giggle.
For those of us who desire it, can AI help us become better humans? Can AI help me in my Christian walk?
What do you think? Are we ready for this revolution? I gotta tell ya, …
Sorry. Gotta go. Frankie needs to go potty.
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