WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE? MICAH 6:1-8
Dr. Jerry Taylor
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Date:
January 1, 2026
Collection:
Dr. Taylor Special Articles Collection
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Abstract
Dr. Jerry Taylor examines the dangerous allure of carnal power and demonic wisdom, contrasting worldly manipulative tactics with the divine requirements of justice, mercy, and humility. Drawing parallels between the prophetic warnings of Micah and contemporary political and social contexts, he argues that religious ritual and upgraded worship services are no substitute for ethical conduct and a heart for the oppressed. The piece serves as a call for believers to reject the devilishly shrewd doctrines of power and instead walk humbly with God to build a community centered on love.
WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE?
Acquiring carnal power often requires an immersion into polluted waters of worldly wisdom, where manipulative aggression and insatiable ambition drive individuals to dominate others. Dr. Jerry Taylor warns that contemporary culture is increasingly drawn to demonic wisdom found in literature like Machiavelli’s The Prince or The 48 Laws of Power. These doctrines teach power seekers how to appear to be good as a means of cleverly disguising their evil intentions, remaining willing to act with dishonesty and deception if it becomes necessary. Historically, this mindset has fueled the world's most infamous dictators, and today, it continues to shape a climate of misinformation where religious language is used to mask unspiritual agendas.
The Church must remain alert against being kidnapped by these unspiritual agendas, which seek to cover its mouth with the tape of fear and its eyes with the blindfold of political loyalty. Just as the temple of Israel lost its moral bearing during the time of Micah, modern religious institutions risk being used to justify social injustice. Micah’s prophetic voice spoke for the poor farmers and disinherited victims of his time who were being crushed by price gouging, rigged economic practices, and greedy landlords. This systemic corruption was rooted in arrogant pride: the narcissistic belief that the whole world revolves around one’s own agenda.
The remedy for social injustice is not more worship services or elaborate sacrifices; it is repentance, mercy, and love. Dr. Taylor emphasizes that God is not impressed by thousands of rams or ten thousand rivers of oil if they are offered by hearts that ignore the hungry and the oppressed. Instead, the Lord requires that we remember the journey: recalling God’s past acts of deliverance from Egyptian oppression, slavery, and segregation to inform our current pursuit of justice.
Ultimately, to walk with God is to move in solidarity with His emotions and affections. When we walk humbly, we identify with the people God cares about and desist from meeting arrogant pride with pride. We reject the carnal cycle of attack for attack and instead commit to building community around justice and love rather than racism, sexism, or terrorism. By following this divine agenda, the church becomes a holy nation and a house of prayer for all people.