Understanding AI Without the Overwhelm – Generative vs. Agentic AI Explained
Today, we are going to talk more about AI. This is the second in this series, and we are going to be discussing understanding AI without the Overwhelm: Generative vs. Agentic AI.
There are two different types of AI: Generative and Agentic.
We are going to educate you on two different types and clarify which is which. Then, we will dive into these things and how they relate to us as Christians in business.
So, first of all, we have to acknowledge that AI is everywhere and everyone has an opinion about it. This past week, I got my first, what I call “hate” comments on YouTube for my last episode about AI. I didn’t really understand exactly what they were saying, but the truth is that we’re not going to all agree on that. That’s just the way things are.
Those of us who are Christians, especially, feel this tension. Is this wise? Is this lazy? Is this dangerous when it comes to talking about AI? This episode is not for convincing anyone to use AI. It is about understanding what we’re actually talking about and what we can do to make wise choices in that regard.
The first thing I want to do is start with some Scripture.
Remember last week we talked about wisdom, and we have to remember that the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, though it costs all you have, get understanding, Proverbs 4:7. And that’s the reason that I’m doing this series on AI is because I want a greater understanding, to understand it more, and that’s why next week on the podcast, we will have with us my guest, Misty Philip.
Misty is going to tell us more, as she and her husband have been studying AI, and they have a business, Trilogy Works, along those lines. So, I want to make sure that we are understanding, we are seeking wisdom, and you can’t steward what you don’t understand. She talks about being a good steward of the things that we have, the resources and the tools that we have. But we can’t do that well unless we understand what we’re trying to use.
Let’s talk about what AI is and what it is not.
AI is a tool created by humans, and it is trained on large amounts of existing data. Data that’s already out there. And it is designed to assist, but it’s not designed to replace your discernment or your calling.
AI is not a mind. It is not creative like humans. God breathed into us life, and He gave us the ability to be creative. It does not have any moral, spiritual, or discernment capabilities. So, you have to think about all the things that AI cannot do, that we as humans can do. It is not a replacement for wisdom, for prayer, or for obedience. AI can process information, but it cannot practice wisdom in the regard of seeking wisdom from the Lord.
Let’s look at the big picture, the two types of AI that you’ll hear about.
Most fall into two buckets, and understanding these two types alone will help you remove a lot of fear and confusion. When people say AI, they could mean many different things.
First of all, there is Generative AI.
This is an AI that creates content based on prompts. So, think about ChatGPT, if you have used that. It can respond only when you ask it to. You go to your AI, you go over to ChatGPT, and you ask it questions, and it responds.
Otherwise, it will not respond unless you ask it questions. It is great for helping you compose emails, clarify your emails, brainstorm ideas, and summarize content. It’s great for editing or rewording your text. The key characteristics here for ChatGPT or for generative AI, whether that be ChatGPT or others like it, such as Gemini, is one example, and Claude is another one; you are always in control. It doesn’t act on its own. It’s reactive, not proactive. So, think of it like a digital assistant that helps you organize your thoughts, and it’s comparable to using Grammarly. If you’ve ever used Grammarly to check your grammar, use a spell check, or dictate your ideas out loud, it can do that for you.
Then, there is Agentic AI.
This is designed to take action on your behalf. It can make decisions within the boundaries that you set. It often works across systems, so not just in the system that it’s in, but it will work in your email, in your calendars, in your data, and in your workflows.
Some simple examples are that it can schedule appointments automatically, it can respond to customer emails, and it can monitor data and trigger actions. You may have been using some of these services as well. It has more autonomy, it has more responsibility, and it requires stronger guardrails and oversight than Generative.
This is where discernment matters the most. It is not inherently wrong, but not always appropriate for every business or for every season. So, why does this distinction matter for you as a Christian business owner? Generative AI helps you steward time and energy, and Agentic AI requires stewarding our authority and responsibility over it.
Transparency matters more with Agentic tools:
- You have to decide who’s speaking, who’s deciding?
- Are you hiding behind automation?
- Are you using tools to free yourself to serve people better?
Some questions to think on or ponder are:
- Does this tool support my calling or shortcut my obedience?
- Am I using this to create margin, or am I using this to avoid responsibility?
- Is this tool enhancing my voice, or is it replacing my voice?
I like to just use a tool to enhance my voice.
Some common fears that you might have are:
- Agentic AI will make you less authentic, but that’s only if you surrender your voice to AI.
- AI is cheating: No, I don’t believe so. Tools have always been in existence, and wisdom determines how we should use them.
- Christians shouldn’t use AI. Some people believe that. Scripture addresses wisdom and stewardship, but it doesn’t address specific tools. Then the issue isn’t whether you use it, it’s how and why you use it.
The truth is, you don’t have to use every AI tool that is out there. You don’t need to use Agentic at all. You don’t have to, but you can start by learning and praying before you adopt it.
In the next podcast
Next week, we will be talking more, and I’m going to be talking with Misty Philip. She is going to be sharing with us her take on AI. I’m so excited about that episode because she really understands. She’s going to be talking about discernment, stewardship, and wisdom. And she’s going to share with us about her book “Upskill or Die: Navigating AI with Wisdom and Faith.” So, I am so excited about that. It was a great episode. We have already prerecorded it, and I can’t wait to bring that episode to you next week.
Be sure to go over to Facebook and join my Facebook group. It’s called the Christian Business Advantage Facebook group (link below). Over there, we can talk about this some more. I’m going to be posting a question in the group about what tools you’re using with AI right now, and I would love for you to join in on the conversation.
Thanks for listening.
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