I realize his statement was probably said at an apathetic moment. However, there is a kernel of truth in this statement, which continually haunts me. Too often this applies to the whole of our lives. Many dread to do the right thing when doing the wrong is much more destructive. The dread of having to do right is born of a fear based upon incorrect thinking.
Life is an issue of mind over matter.
The purpose of the truth of God is to teach us how to think. We can't find the freedom to think like God thinks until we have allowed his liberating truth to permeate our minds. It is not easy, it is painful, but the transformation of our lives will be unbelievable. When actions mask a depraved heart religion becomes a burden. There are those times we force ourselves to behave properly even though we weren't thinking properly.