Pastor Suzette Caldwell
Scripture: Joshua 24:14–15
Life has a way of making us forget. We become consumed with our responsibilities, our schedules, and our challenges until we lose sight of all that God has already done for us. Before Joshua challenged the people of Israel to make a decision, he first reminded them of God’s faithfulness. He reminded them of the victories God had given them, the promises He had fulfilled, and the ways He had provided for them.
Sometimes the first step in returning to God is simply remembering His goodness.
After reminding the people of God’s faithfulness, Joshua asked one of the most important questions in Scripture:
“Choose this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15
Notice that Joshua didn’t ask where they attended worship. He didn’t ask about their religious routines. He asked who they would serve.
This was significant because the Israelites were already worshipping other gods alongside the Lord. God had already declared in Exodus 34:14 that His people were to worship Him alone because He is a jealous God. God’s jealousy isn’t rooted in insecurity—it reflects His exclusive covenant relationship with His people. He does not compete with idols for our affection. He lovingly calls us into wholehearted devotion because we belong to Him.
Jesus echoed this truth when He taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37–38).
What Does It Mean to Serve God?
Serving God is much more than attending church. It means to labor for Him, obey Him, and willingly give your life in service to His Kingdom.
Joshua challenged the people to put away their idols before they could truly serve God.
That raises an important question for each of us:
- What has your heart?
- Who has your mind?
- What consistently competes for your devotion?
Jesus warned us in Matthew 6:24 that no one can serve two masters. Whatever consistently receives our highest loyalty has become our master.
Never let your job get in the way of your worship. Success, relationships, money, comfort, or even good things can become idols if they take God’s rightful place in our hearts.
Sometimes we wonder why we aren’t moving forward in God’s purpose for our lives. We blame circumstances, people, or timing. Yet often God is saying, “I’m not holding you back—you are still tied to something that cannot go where I’m taking you.”
We cannot embrace God’s future while holding on to yesterday’s idols.
Serving God Means Serving Others
One of the clearest ways we demonstrate our love for God is by serving people.
Kingdom service isn’t limited to a platform or a title. Every believer has been called to invest their time, talents, and treasures for the work of God’s Kingdom. As we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ and grow spiritually ourselves.
Jesus completely redefined greatness. In His Kingdom, the way up is down. The path to leadership is through humility. The road to greatness is paved with service.
The clearest evidence that we truly love God is seen in the way we love and serve the people around us.
A Time to Choose
Joshua’s challenge still echoes today:
Who will you serve?
Not just on Sundays. Not just when life is easy. Every day, with your whole heart.
As you reflect on God’s faithfulness, ask Him to reveal anything competing for first place in your life. Then choose, once again, to serve the One who has never stopped being faithful to you.
If this sermon encouraged or challenged you, we invite you to watch the full message from Pastor Suzette Caldwell. You’ll be blessed by the complete teaching and its powerful invitation to return wholeheartedly to God.
