“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17

 Do you recall hearing or reading about the subject of artificial intelligence in the news the last few months? I sure have. Perhaps you’ve heard about Open AI’s “Chat GPT” website which allows users to request their artificial intelligence system to write very specific essays, book reports, movie scripts, business plans, and even love poems! Earlier today I went to OpenAi.com and asked Chat GPT to “Write a 200-word blog about Christian charitable giving.” I’ll include the surprisingly insightful and earnest computer-generated response at the end of this post.

 In 2023, philosophers and ethicists are asking big, somewhat unprecedented, questions about what it means to be human in this dawning era of thinking machines. Employers and employees are frantically attempting to predict the future of work, as many theorists predict the coming end of dozens of career fields and perhaps untold millions of jobs. What role might charity play in this new, unfolding world?

In His Steps Foundation is intentionally positioned at the intersection of Christian givers and Christian ministries who depend on one another to fulfill their God-given purposes: 

• While emerging technology may assist the research and administration of charitable giving, it will never replace the work of the Holy Spirit directing givers to urgent, important causes. Data-driven decisions can be helpful, but frequently following the Lord’s leading in our giving will take us to places that defy the so-called wisdom of the age. Where a computer may only see a “bad investment,” God may see mustard-seed-sized opportunity and invite us to give in unexpected ways that don’t make sense to fancy algorithms.
• Likewise, while artificial intelligence may help ministries with more efficient fundraising, it will never replace the beautiful collaboration that happens when Kingdom-minded fundraisers connect with their audiences. Digital directives may point fundraisers to computer-predicted, deep-pocketed “targets,” but Spirit-led leaders know that God often prefers to accomplish his purposes through unexpected sources: oftentimes principled people living quiet, unassuming lives who are eager for meaningful human connection.  

Despite the uncertainties of the unfolding future, God’s chosen instrument to shape and make the world has always been His image-bearers, human beings, working together to mend the personal and societal consequences of sin. The incarnation (God arriving in human flesh through the person of Jesus Christ) teaches us emphatically that human-to-human contact is God’s “Plan A” for healing the world.

 Whichever side of the philanthropy spectrum you’re serving on today (Christian giver or Christian ministry), may I encourage you to continue to keep the human relational component front and center:

•  Christian givers: build relationships with the leaders who are shaping the ministries important to you. Get to know board and staff members, and find ways you can leverage your talent, time, and testimony in addition to your treasure.
• Christian ministries: You can say "thank you" to your givers in ways more meaningful than letters and trinkets. Your givers support you because they believe in the work you're doing. Where appropriate, invite them to the office, let them participate in an aspect of your work in the community, find high-impact volunteer opportunities, or Q&A sessions with your workers on the front lines. Above all, give them up close access to your heart, your time, and yourself. At the end of the day, people don't give to organizations - they give to people they trust to carry out the mission of the organization.

Chat GPT’s computer-generated response to the query, “Write a 200-word blog about Christian charitable giving:”

 Christian charitable giving is an important aspect of the Christian faith that is rooted in the belief that helping those in need is a fundamental responsibility of all Christians. Christian charitable giving is not only a way to express love and compassion to others, but also a way to serve and glorify God. The Bible teaches that Christians should give generously and cheerfully to those in need, and that doing so is an act of worship. In fact, the Bible states in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

 There are many ways that Christians can engage in charitable giving, including donating money to churches, charities, and non-profit organizations that help the less fortunate. Christian charitable giving can also involve volunteering time and resources to help those in need, such as serving meals at a homeless shelter or providing clothing to families in need.

 Christian charitable giving is not just about meeting the physical needs of others, but also about sharing the love of Christ with those who are hurting. By showing love and compassion to those in need, Christians can demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and bring hope to those who are struggling.

 In conclusion, Christian charitable giving is a vital aspect of the Christian faith that helps to fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. By giving generously and cheerfully to those in need, Christians can demonstrate the love of Christ and bring hope to a hurting world.

Contact:

If you want to inquire about how we might assist your charitable giving or fundraising, please contact IHS Foundation President, Ben Lee:

benlee@ihsfound.org | 330.528.1785