Many comment, even claim that there is no God, and there are others who believe in other gods who do nothing, because there are no signs of them. From generation to generation, humanity has raised questions about the existence of God, especially when facing suffering, injustice, or silence. Some conclude that God does not exist because He does not act according to their expectations, while others replace the true God with powerless substitutes that cannot speak, see, or intervene. This skepticism and idolatry are not new phenomena, but have existed since ancient times.
All those who say such things have no way of proving it, nor can they truly speak of God because they do not know Him. Denying God does not make Him cease to exist, just as ignorance of the sun does not extinguish its light. God is more real than many imagine, and His reality is not dependent on human acknowledgment. The difference is that the true God is living, active, and personal. He is a God who cares for you, who watches over you, and who preserves your life day by day, while other so-called gods remain silent, immobile, and powerless, because they have no breath of life.
Throughout history, humanity has demonstrated a tendency to create gods according to its own image. When people reject the living God, they do not stop worshiping; they simply redirect their worship toward something else. Some place their trust in idols of stone or wood, others in money, power, science, or ideology. Yet all these substitutes share one common characteristic: they cannot save, they cannot forgive sins, and they cannot give eternal life. Only the living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, possesses absolute authority and power.
The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry, describing false gods as lifeless objects crafted by human hands. These idols are made of paper, plaster, wood, metal, and other man-made materials. Scripture teaches that the enemy blinds the hearts of people, leading them to believe that these objects possess divine power. However, these gods cannot speak, cannot hear, cannot walk, and cannot respond to prayer. They are entirely dependent on those who carry them, rather than being able to carry or sustain anyone.
This contrast between the living God and false gods is one of the central messages of Scripture. While idols are the result of human imagination, God reveals Himself through His Word, His creation, and His actions in history. He is not an abstract idea or a distant force, but a personal God who enters into covenant with His people. The God of the Bible speaks, commands, judges, forgives, and redeems. His presence is not symbolic, but real and transformative.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15
The people of Israel often struggled with rebellion and spiritual inconsistency. Despite having witnessed God’s mighty works—His deliverance from Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His guidance into the Promised Land—they were repeatedly tempted to follow the gods of surrounding nations. Joshua, aware of this tendency, confronted the people with a decisive challenge. He made it clear that neutrality was not an option; they had to choose whom they would serve.
Joshua’s declaration was not merely a personal opinion, but a public testimony of faith. He knew that serving the Lord required commitment, obedience, and trust. Even if the majority chose to follow false gods, Joshua resolved that he and his household would remain faithful to the true God. This statement highlights an important biblical principle: faithfulness to God does not depend on popular opinion, cultural trends, or majority consensus.
Joshua was clear that there is only one true God, and his confidence was rooted in personal experience. He had seen firsthand what God had done throughout his journey—from the crossing of the Jordan River to the fall of Jericho and the victories over powerful enemies. These events were not myths or legends, but historical acts of divine intervention. Joshua’s faith was grounded in evidence of God’s faithfulness, power, and mercy.
The warning against trusting idols remains relevant today. Modern idols may not always be physical statues, but they function in the same way. Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts becomes an idol. Wealth, success, relationships, and even religious traditions can become objects of misplaced trust. Yet none of these can provide true security or eternal hope. Idols promise much but deliver nothing.
In contrast, God is above all things. He is great in power, rich in mercy, and faithful to His promises. He listens to the prayers of His people, intervenes in their lives, and offers forgiveness through grace. Unlike false gods, He does not abandon those who seek Him sincerely. His mercy extends to all who turn to Him in faith, and His strength is sufficient for every trial.
The call of Scripture is clear: worship the living God alone. To worship Him is not merely to perform religious rituals, but to trust Him wholeheartedly, obey His Word, and live according to His truth. True worship involves surrender, loyalty, and love. It acknowledges that God alone is worthy of honor, glory, and devotion.
In a world filled with doubt, confusion, and competing beliefs, the message of Joshua remains as relevant as ever. Each generation must decide whom it will serve. The living God continues to reveal Himself, calling people to repentance and faith. The choice remains before us: to trust in lifeless idols or to serve the God who gives life, sustains it, and offers eternal salvation.