Sometimes I experience decision fatigue. I get tired of making choices and just want quick answers. We all feel this way—it’s part of life. When it happens, I often wish someone would simply tell me what to do.
I especially feel this in the mornings as I plan my day. I think about everything I could do, and it quickly becomes overwhelming. Recently, I tried a solution. I created a custom AI tool to help me plan my day. I would sit down, type out everything on my mind, and let the AI tell me what to do first.
And honestly, it felt great.
But after a while, I realized something was missing. I wasn’t allowing myself to be flexible. I wasn’t using my own judgment. More importantly, I began to wonder whether I was leaving room for the Spirit to guide me toward what truly mattered.
The Holy Ghost Before AI
In his devotional Things as They Really Are 2.0, Elder Bednar taught:
“Artificial intelligence cannot simulate, imitate, or replace the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.”
That statement struck me. I realized I had started letting AI guide my day more than I was relying on the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Bednar also warned, “One of my great concerns is that overreliance on AI technology will cause us to become spiritually slothful and shallow—and to forfeit the blessings made possible through righteous work.”1
AI is a powerful tool, and it can make life more efficient. But we must be deliberate in how we use it. If it replaces the spiritual work that leads us to seek inspiration, ponder deeply, and ask Heavenly Father for guidance, we may unintentionally miss the blessings that come from receiving answers ourselves.
President Nelson invited us to “choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.” 2
Our Intentions
As with any technology, we must examine our intentions in using AI tools.
Elder Peter M. Johnson offered this counsel:
“In our day, there are many distractions, including Twitter, Facebook, virtual reality games, and much more. These technological advances are amazing, but if we are not careful, they can distract us from fulfilling our divine potential. Using them appropriately can bring forth the power of heaven and allow us to witness miracles as we seek to gather scattered Israel on both sides of the veil.
Let us be careful and not casual in our use of technology. Continually seek ways that technology can draw us closer to the Savior and help us accomplish His work as we prepare for His Second Coming.” 3
Like all other aspects of life, our intentions matter. “The Lord will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:9).
He knows our hearts. He knows our intent. We should determine our why and ensure it aligns with our values.
If we use these tools for the right reasons—and continue doing the spiritual work necessary to invite the Holy Ghost into our lives—AI can become a valuable resource in increasing our capacity and building Christ’s kingdom.
- David A. Bednar, “Things as They Really Are 2.0,” November 2024, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/worldwide-devotional-for-young-adults/2024/11/13bednar?lang=eng ↩︎
- Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” April 2018, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng ↩︎
- Peter M. Johnson, “Power to Overcome the Adversary,” October 2019, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/54johnson?lang=eng&id=p14-p15#p14 ↩︎
