I told a Sunday School class the other day that I wouldn’t have blamed Jesus for succumbing to any of the three temptations in the desert. You remember the story. Jesus was baptized and then into the desert he went to be tested by Satan. The three temptations might be seen as the ability to create all he needed, fame, and power, and I have to give Satan a little credit. He came up with three good ones. 

But really, Satan didn’t have to be inventive. The desire to have things, for people to need us, and for us to have the freedom to do what we want are the desires that have always driven our ambitions. It’s also what impairs our ability to be in community with others. If I desire things, attention, and power, chances are pretty good that I won’t mind getting you out of the way to get it. It’s the definition of loving me more than I love you. 

James knew that those temptations were tough to overcome. But he also knew that as we did, we’d come to see the truths of life which are that others are as important and valuable as we are. Our life together is more important than our life turned inwards. 

That outward turned life is the life to which Jesus called us. It’s the one that will yield crowns for us all.