There was something sacred about that small darkroom in my father’s house. During those custody visits with my dad, I recall slipping into a mysterious room filled with the faint scent of chemicals, the dim red glow, and the quiet hum of transformation. It wasn’t just a room — it was a portal where blurry, black-and-white film strips turned into full-color memories.
My dad loved photography, and this was back in the ancient days before smartphones and digital everything. Back then, taking a picture wasn’t instant gratification; it was a process for sure. First, you got a negative, that is, a backward, inverted, and mysterious image, hidden in its own shadows. It didn’t look like much.
But then came the illusion: Dad would shine light through that negative onto photo paper. Slowly, almost as if by resurrection, an image would emerge. Most of the time, it actually looked like what he intended to capture, unless someone blinked or tripped mid-shot (which was usually me). But the point remained: what was hidden became visible. What was distorted became clear. What was negative turned into something good.
That’s how truth works in our lives.
We can possess truth like a photographer clutching a roll of undeveloped film. We can understand truth—subjective, objective, normative, absolute—but until we apply it, it’s just potential. It hasn’t come to life yet. Unfortunately, this is where most live; the road is way too broad. Let’s change it!
Applied Truth is what happens when we let the Light in.
Let’s recap the series so far: Subjective Truth – Your perspective, your story, your unique lens. Objective Truth – Reality that’s true whether you like it or not (e.g., gravity... and taxes). Normative Truth – God’s guidance on how we ought to live: Think of this as wisdom with boots on. Absolute Truth – Eternal and unchanging, God’s character, the Rock that doesn’t roll. These layers make up the “negative” of our spiritual life. Full of rich detail but undeveloped without Light.
Applied Truth is when you step into the darkroom of life and say, “Okay Lord, shine Your light on this.”
As James tells us, “Be doers of the word, not hearers only…” (James 1:22). In that moment, Truth becomes Life, a reality that develops into the path, truth, and life of the One we call our savior, Jesus.
The darkroom isn’t a scary place. It’s where transformation happens! It’s where God often develops us when no one’s watching, when the world feels foggy, or when we're stuck waiting.
Consider this: God isn't solely focused on increasing your IQ with facts. He aims to shape your heart (EQ) based on your uniqueness. His goal is to cultivate you in the likeness of Christ (Romans 8:29), creating a caring, strong, and resilient character capable of facing the darkness and brokenness of this fallen world, thereby reaching your full potential in all roles in life. This is true wisdom!
So here’s the kicker…
What truth are you holding undeveloped?
- Maybe you believe God is love… but you're still holding a grudge.
- Maybe you know the wise path… but you’ve been stuck at the crossroads for months.
- Maybe your life is full of potential… but you're waiting for the perfect conditions to act.
Friend, it’s time.
Step into the darkroom. Let the Light do its thing. Apply the truth—and let your life develop into something beautiful.
Reflect on This:
- What truth have I been holding onto but haven’t yet lived out?
- How has God used the “darkroom” moments of my life to shape me?
- Where can I shine the truth this week—in my work, relationships, or daily choices?
Next in the Series: Outro – Total Truth
As always…
Stay salty. Shine bright. Suit up
Pastor Drake