From 'Should Have' to 'Still Can': Embracing Our Divine Purpose

Have you ever found yourself caught in the trap of "woulda, shoulda, coulda"? Those moments of regret, missed opportunities, and misaligned priorities that haunt us long after they've passed? We've all been there. Whether it's the extra taco that led to indigestion or the deeper regrets of unforgiveness or missed chances, these thoughts can weigh heavily on our hearts. 

But what if I told you that your "should have" is actually God's "still can"? 

This powerful truth stems from a profound understanding of our purpose as believers, beautifully articulated in James 1:18: "Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." 

Let's break this down: 

1. Intentionally Saved and Spiritually Reborn 

The passage begins with "Of his own will, he brought us forth." In the original Greek, the phrase "brought forth" is linked to the concept of giving birth. This paints a vivid picture of God intentionally bringing us into a new spiritual life – the gift of salvation or being "born again." 

This rebirth isn't about becoming a better-behaved version of our old selves. It's about receiving a completely new nature, a new life, and a new future as a child of God. We are redeemed and made right through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ – His death, burial, and resurrection. 

2. Set Apart as Firstfruits 

The verse continues, stating that we should be "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." In the Old Testament, firstfruits were the initial portion of a harvest, set apart as holy to God. They were brought as an offering to the Lord, often before the giver was certain of a full harvest to come. 

Now, in the New Testament context, we are the firstfruits. As saved individuals, we represent the first and best of God's creation. We are set apart as holy, bearing the responsibility of reflecting His goodness and holiness to the world around us. 

3. The Seriousness of "Should Be" 

It's crucial to understand that when James says we "should be" firstfruits, it's not a mere suggestion – it's a directive. This "should be" carries significant weight: 

a) A Statement of Divine Design: We were created to be firstfruits offerings to the Lord. This is our purpose, our reason for existing. 

b) A Call to Spiritual Responsibility: As saved people, we have the responsibility to embody the gospel of Jesus. We will be held accountable for how we reflect God's nature to the world. 

c) An Expectation of Ongoing Transformation: The phrase "should be" implies that we are to continually live out our identity as God's firstfruits. Change and transformation should become the norm in our lives, not the exception. 

Living Out Our Purpose 

So how do we move from "should have" to "still can"? How do we embrace and fulfill our divine purpose? James provides the answer just a few verses later: 

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." (James 1:22-25) 

The key is to be doers of the word, not just hearers. It's not enough to know our purpose; we must actively live it out. When we do, we're promised that we "will be blessed in [our] doing." 

Practical Application: Saved People Serve People 

One of the most tangible ways we can live out our identity as firstfruits is by serving others. Just as Jesus, the ultimate firstfruit of heaven, gave His life as an offering, we too are called to offer our lives in service to others. 

This service isn't just about signing up for outreach programs (though that can be part of it). It's about living every aspect of our lives in a way that declares God's goodness to the world around us. It's about being "salt and light," as Jesus taught in Matthew 5 – not just being salty, but staying salty, making those around us thirsty for the love of Christ that we carry. 

Embracing Transformation 

Living as firstfruits means embracing ongoing transformation. It's not about becoming a better version of ourselves, but about looking less like ourselves and more like Jesus with each passing day. This transformation isn't always comfortable, but it's necessary and expected. 

Remember, change is inevitable. As believers, we should be anticipating it, welcoming it, and cooperating with the Holy Spirit as He works to conform us to the image of Christ. 

From Regret to Purpose 

Life will always have its "woulda, shoulda, coulda" moments. But when it comes to our life in Christ, we don't have to live with regrets. Understanding our place as His firstfruits and actively living out that identity opens the door to God's blessings in our lives. 

So let's move beyond just hearing the word to doing the word. Let's embrace our divine design, fulfill our spiritual responsibility, and welcome ongoing transformation. In doing so, we'll find that our "should have" truly becomes God's "still can." 

As we go about our days, let's continually ask ourselves: How can I live as a firstfruit offering today? How can I serve others and reflect God's goodness in my words and actions? How can I cooperate with the Holy Spirit's transforming work in my life? 

By focusing on these questions and actively living out the answers, we'll find ourselves moving from regret to purpose, from missed opportunities to divine appointments, and from "would've, should've, could've" to "did, am doing, and will continue to do" for the glory of God.