Artificial “Incouragement”

I suppose it’s really nothing new. From the very beginning, mankind was hungry to hear the words their hearts desired. As Adam and Eve journeyed closer and closer to the ‘tree of life’, the enemy lurched in the distance…watching and waiting for the moment when his words would have impact. The kind of artificial incouragement that would drastically change the backdrop of their everyday life. And for all of those to come. The promise of the “knowing” that would result in the sinking reality that his kind of incouragement truly was artificial.

Have you heard the latest trend? I recently read an article documenting how many are falling for A.I….artificial incouragement that is. In fact, the older generation was noted for spending an average of 5 hours a day chatting with A.I. The younger generation was also noted for looking to A.I. for direction, information and decisive decision making in a world of endless possibility.

And while this kind of incouragement offers the words we long to hear, the promise to take away our loneliness, it’s still just that…artificial.

I offer to you what our heart really needs is A. E. …Authentic Encouragment! Authenitic encouragement can only be found in what is ironically enough…authentic. The dictionary defines authentic as what is of undisputed origin; genuine. What is true. It is not a fake or a copy.

Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is TRUE, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I often find myself in need of encouragement. Something that’s true. That will last. Too many times, A.I. in my life has left my heart reeling from the wounding and impact of artificial words. Only God’s word offers the true, authentic encouragement that will truly satisfy. As we think on such things, our very being is transformed, marinating in encouragement from our very creator, gifting us authentic encouragement to overflow onto those in care.

The truth is you are fearfully and wonderfully made, fashioned exactly according to the Master’s plan (Psalm 139:13-14). He has called you by name, claimed you as His very own, nothing to fear. You have been redeemed. (Isaiah 43:1) This kind of encouragement mends the wounds that any artificial words leave. My prayer is the next time you’re in need of some real encouragement, you will reach for the Bible instead of some instant, quick words generated by A. I. Let His Authentic Encouragement change the backdrop of your very being. Let your womanhood be encouraged!