Modern tools are such a blessing for the Christian. Things like AI, Logos Bible Software, Google Search, Bible apps; they are amazing tools that yield a rich harvest. Consider how quickly and easily you can find what you need. Look at the tools at work for helping a depressed Christian:

However, have you ever stopped and considered what these tools might cost you? Every tool has its place and can be rightly utilized for its benefits, but every tool has a cost associated with it. Let me help you think about this using something completely different.

When a labourer uses a hand drill to drill a hole in something, it takes longer than a power drill and requires a lot more effort. It has a cost, time, and energy, yet there is also a large benefit: strength, fortitude, resilience, etc. Now consider using a power drill instead. You have the benefit of saving time and energy, but it comes at a cost: the potential gain of strength, fortitude, etc. Each has costs and benefits attached to it. There is nothing wrong or right about using either the hand drill or power drill, but it is important to understand what it will cost and benefit you. The same is true for tools we use to help us with the Bible; they come with costs and benefits attached to them. However, I would imagine that many of us have never given it a second thought.

Imagine that you want to write an email to a friend who is struggling with depression. You want to encourage her with some biblical passages about trusting the Lord. Now, if you had none of these tools available to you, what would you do? You might call to mind passages you know and look them up. You might flick through some different Psalms and Epistles that you know well. After 15–30 minutes, you may have written out a bunch of different verses that you think are relevant. It cost you quite a bit of time and energy, but what did you gain? You spent 15–30 minutes in the Scriptures, prayerfully considering what text would suit. The benefit was your own spiritual development. In contrast, what would have happened if you had used AI to do the same? You would benefit in time and energy, but it would cost you spiritual growth and communion with the Lord.

Tools have their place (and I use them often). However, we must recognize the cost of using them. The intangible cost of using such tools is often far greater than we realize. Let me ask you, are Christians (ministers and members alike) today deeper in their spiritual devotion than in previous generations? Do the people in the pew know more or less of the pure doctrine of God than 200 years ago? What have we gained and what have we lost?

Use tools as necessary, but use them sparingly. Don’t shortchange yourself by always using tools that save you time but cost you growth.