Religion is not necessarily a good thing, and religious people are not inevitably good. Pascal wisely observed, "Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction." Examples are the German extermination of the Jews and the holy wars fought so savagely. Many of man's greatest atrocities have been done in the name of religion. This is what prompted Micah to call Israel to repentance.
God's chosen people were hiding their evil behind a cloak of religion. They tried to appease a just God with elaborate offerings. But Micah asked: Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (Micah 6:7). Religious activity means nothing to God unless the heart is pure. Only after sin is forgiven and justice is done do sacrifices please God.
Man has not really changed since the days of Micah. He is still trying to buy God off with huge gifts of "good works." Yet God still calls for man to be loving, merciful, and just in his dealings. He asks for a right relationship with the Creator and reminds us that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will be saved. Only those whose lives are righteous and good are worthy to be called His chosen ones.
“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 NLT
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