Read Time: 4 min 46 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

Last week, several experts began sounding alarms on how fast AI is advancing.

First, former AI researcher Jacob Coxon quit his job, then posted a thread on X about why he left. Coxon said the big AI labs are “gambling with our lives” as they race to make AI smarter. A current Anthropic employee agreed. The scientist said the chances that AI “could kill all humans” within the next decade are above 10%. And later in the week, Anthropic’s CEO wrote that AI companies must slow down to prevent “catastrophic damage.”

It’s the threat of “recursive self-improvement” (RSI) that has AI leaders sweating. With RSI, AI could improve itself faster than humans can keep up. That could make sci-fi scenarios like hacked power grids or deadly weapons more likely.

Others are skeptical of the skepticism. Some critics wondered if Coxon’s post was a “well-funded PR operation.” Nvidia’s CEO (his company makes chips that power AI) said labs may be using fear to sell a cybersecurity product. And President Trump argued that there are already government rules protecting AI. He said adding more would help China in the AI race.

Still, major AI companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google are taking steps to make things safer. Anthropic and OpenAI promised to let outside inspectors keep an eye on their companies. Meanwhile, Anthropic reportedly stopped attempts to use AI to build biological weapons (weapons that use diseases to harm plants, animals, or humans).

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
As tech leaders express fear of their own products, it can make the waters of life feel extra choppy. In the turmoil, hold onto your anchor, Christ. God is not worried. Nothing can disrupt His plans or the secure promise of Heaven for followers of Christ.

“Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Hebrews 6:17-19 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
We’re made in the image of God, but that image isn’t tied to our capabilities. The Bible ties that image to our calling as His creation. 

It also isn't about being the smartest thing around. Our “made in His image” status doesn’t change if AI ever starts to “out-think” us, because it’s not tied to our impressive brainpower. 

God invited humans (and only humans) to relate with Him and co-rule His world (Genesis 1:28). 

Even if AI becomes very, very, very advanced, it will never take away our unique dignity of bearing God’s image to the world. No update, upgrade, or new feat in AI development will change our calling or identity.

What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Living in biblical hope.

When people start talking about the chances that AI could wipe out humanity, it's easy to either spiral into fear or begin to quibble about whether things are really that serious. But our response doesn’t have to be anxiety or skepticism. It should be biblical hope.

Christians’ unique hope says: we’re putting our trust in the God who has rescued His people against the odds before and who promises to do it again once and for all: “Look, I am making everything new” (Revelation 21:5 CSB). May the truth that comes from this unflinching hope in God fill your home, allowing you to view headlines about AI (whatever they are) with steady, unshakeable peace. 

Gen Z Word of the Week: My sister’s not really stacking all the chairs at youth group by herself. She’s just LARPing.

Family Fun: This week, embrace your inner birder. Make pinecone bird feeders, set ‘em up in the backyard, and try to identify the bird with this free app.

Whipped Cream on Top: Sam’s Impossible Task: Part 3

How You Can Help The Least of These
With $30 and Good Shepherd India*

“Without your help, I may have died!” Those are 70-year-old Leela’s words, who endured years of exploitation at the hands of abusers before being cast off into poverty and starvation… until Good Shepherd India stepped in.

Their team went into her village, sharing their love for Jesus by supplying Leela with a month’s worth of high-nutrition food to get her healthy again.

She’s far from the only one. You can help people like Leela, suffering from food scarcity. You can help fill bellies and change lives in the name of Jesus.

$30 provides a month’s worth of meals for a family (just $1/day!).

How We’re Talking About Generosity
With this back-to-school post*

Autumn brings falling leaves, crisper weather, early morning alarms, and new groans… But consider this: groaning about school means you get to go.

Perspective.

That’s why Vi Bella wrote this free post, a Decaf-style read to help families cultivate gratitude for school (without planning a guilt trip to get there). Kids will meet Yliomene, a Vi Bella artisan whose family couldn’t afford for her to attend school past third grade, and explore discussion questions to keep the conversation going.

Then, you can learn how to support Haitian children’s education by purchasing Vi Bella's jewelry and home goods made by their parents.

Read a gratitude-growing post (for free) with your kids today!

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