James is often (and unfortunately) read as little more than a loosely organized manual of practical wisdom for Christian living. But that misses both the point and the profound purpose of the book. Filled with echoes of Jesus’ teaching, James is a prophetic call to authentic discipleship, to take seriously Jesus’ command, “Follow me,” and live according to the law of love. It is a call to put the faith we profess into practice in the world and especially in the community of believers. It is a call to choose between living as friends of God and living as friends of the world.