The heart of religion

The religion of Israel and Judah had been adulterated by idolatry and improper motives (2Ki 17:41, Isa 1:10-15). The religion was so corrupt that God wanted nothing to do with it. If it is not ritual and superstition that God wants, what is it? What God desires is for us to do the right thing with the right heart. “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” (Isa 1:17) He has shown you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Mic 6:8). This is true religion (Jam 1:27).