Sermon On Personal Development

Ziad K. Abdelnour, a Lebanese-born American investment banker and author once remarked: “Life is like photography. You use the negatives to develop.” 2 Timothy 3:14 reminds us: “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it.”

Development is defined as the process of developing or being developed. It is an action that may create growth, progress, improvement or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social and demographic components.

In professional photography, or the traditional procedures used by keen amateur hobbyists, the process of developing pictures from a negative roll of film that has been exposed to light in a camera, is often the preferred method of using a dark room and chemicals. The intended result could either be colored or monochrome prints or slides depending on the type of film used and the photographic expertise of the developer.

For most, in our modern technological age, the use of digital cameras containing memory cards is often considered the cheapest, easiest and quickest option to obtain printed pictures of recorded events and creatures. The card is simply removed from the camera and loaded onto a computer, or specially adapted printer where all the images taken are instantly displayed to transfer in a designated format to specific photographic paper.

However, for some, nothing exceeds the jubilation and expertise employed in achieving the more professional result of using traditional older and time-consuming methods using a variety of different tools consisting of chemical developing substances, a developing tank, thermometer and timer, etc., which greatly enhance the overall desired results of personal satisfaction and reward.

Progression and achievement in photography is not the only form of development that is available in life. Our own bodies and mental attitudes are other important areas on which we need to concentrate. Academic achievements are often attained through knowledge and development, the same as work-related rewards such as promotion through the recognition or appreciation of important skills that may equally apply.

Development is a constant factor in life. It starts in early childhood and continues throughout life. It has been in existence since God’s creation of the universe thousands of years ago. It remains steadfast and unceasing. Genesis 1:1-5 confirms: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.”

Several factors may influence the way one develops in life. Genetics can play a significant role in the composition and behavioral traits of children or adults which has been passed down from natural parents. The type of environment surrounding a person in former years may also play a significant role. If one is lucky enough to be born to wealthy parents and grows up surrounded by affluence, then the prospects of a more beneficial lifestyle during adulthood will become likely. Development should reach its full potential.

However, if the opposite applies and children have been brought up primarily experiencing poverty or hardship, then the disadvantages associated with that type of upbringing may well predominate the future, unless one has the distinct determination and ability to forget the past and rise above all the disadvantages in life previously encompassed.

Factors affecting mental health also have a significant bearing on the overall development of individuals. A healthy mind with little emotional complication will often speed and enhance learning abilities. If one suffers from depression or anxiety from an early age, then the likelihood of further problems later in life may be considered a significant possibility.

A distinct lack of self-confidence may be portrayed to others and may incur a significant withdrawal in social skills. This could have lasting detrimental or even damaging effects upon the individual.

Life is what we make it. Sometimes we have to take hold of its horns and attempt to twist things around for our benefit. If we are determined to tackle the problems head-on, then our chances of overcoming any difficulties encountered become far more possible.

Life encompasses challenges, each with their own level of difficulty. Some may be considered insurmountable and we don’t know which way to turn to achieve any prospect of progress or re-open the way forward. Faith and trust in God in times like these can help us greatly.

God does not want us to come to an impasse. He is there to help and guide us through our difficulties. Just as a student may become confused or perplexed over a particular subject matter, if he or she seeks help from the tutor, often alternative suggestions concerning a way around the problem may help to solve the difficulty. We may see things in a different perspective and consider things in a different light. This increases our knowledge, understanding and overall confidence levels. Something that we have considered impossible to comprehend, suddenly becomes transparent.