Dr. Art Lindsley, with the Institute for Faith Work and Economics, on May 19, 2021, referencing C.S. Lewis, stated: “Beware the Temptation of the Inner Ring.” One of C. S. Lewis’s most memorable essays is entitled The Inner Ring.

It describes the experiences and desires of us all at various stages of life to be accepted within the inner ring of whatever group matters to us at the time. It can be a job or a church. To feel “excluded” or “out of it” is a miserable feeling. However, attaining a slot in the inner circle may test your moral compass.

These desires are not necessarily wrong. Certain inner rings are unavoidable. Someone has to be president of the student government, become a partner, be a leader in a denomination, get a promotion, or be an elder, and it is not wrong to desire that position or influence.

If you get “in,” will you find the satisfaction you seek? The initial rush of excitement will not last. Eventually, you will have to look for another ring to enter. If you are governed by that desire, you will never get what you want. If you succeed there will be nothing left.

This desire which draws us into it can affect our relations at home, work, church, and even the community. If you are not careful, this desire can totally engulf you to the point of virtue or vice. A life sentence if you will. Many times, you might not notice it because it starts out so subtle.

The mother of Zebedee’s children (James and John) came to Jesus with her sons. She got down on her knees before Jesus to ask something of Him. He said to her. “What do you want?” She said, “Say that my two sons may sit, one at Your right side and one at Your left side when You are King (Matthew 20:20-21).

But when you are invited, go, and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he/she may say to you move up higher. Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you (Luke 14:10). Jesus encourages humility.

The author suggests that you focus on your work and let the results take care of themselves. The life you save may be your own.