James’ message is simple because God’s way is simple but as humans we lean towards complexity. We constantly make mountains out of molehills. God’s way (Matt. 5:48) is plain but we insist on complicating it with both reason and sinfulness. There’s a lot that competes for our allegiance, and God invites us to make our choices for He’s no enforcer. When we simplify our approach and live God’s way our reward is the ‘crown of life’ (James 1:12).