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Philippians 2:5-7 “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."

Think

We live in a culture that values inclusion. It feels noble to say, “All religions are basically the same,” or “They just take different routes to the same God.” On the surface, that seems kind. It feels like a way to maintain peace and show respect. But when you examine the actual claims of the world’s major religions, the differences are not only clear but irreconcilable.

Islam teaches that Jesus was a prophet, born of a virgin, sinless, and returning one day. That’s a high view. But Islam also insists that Jesus is not God. Judaism respects Jesus as a historical figure but denies he is the promised Messiah. Mormonism speaks often about Jesus, but redefines him as a created being, a spiritual sibling of Lucifer. These aren’t small adjustments. They are fundamental disagreements about the most central figure in human history.

So what makes Christianity different? Philippians 2 gives us a starting point. Jesus, being in very nature God, did not cling to his divine status. Instead, he emptied himself. He became a servant. He took on human likeness. No other religion begins with a God who lowers himself to serve the people who rejected him. No other faith teaches that the creator of the universe became part of his creation in order to save it.

Other religions present a path. Here are the steps. Here are the rules. Here is the effort required to reach God, or enlightenment, or balance. It’s up to you to ascend. Christianity flips the script. God descends to us. Jesus does what we could never do on our own. He doesn’t offer a ladder to climb. He offers a cross that bridges the gap.

It’s important to recognize the contrasts. Muhammad spread his influence through the sword. Jesus chose the towel. Joseph Smith added new doctrines. Jesus fulfilled ancient prophecies. The founders of most belief systems gained power, prestige, and honor. Jesus laid his down. He chose betrayal. He chose suffering. He chose death. And he did it not for his own benefit, but for ours.

If Jesus is just another prophet or wise teacher, then his death was tragic and unnecessary. His teachings were deluded and misleading. But if he is God in the flesh, then his death was the single greatest act of love the world has ever known. And his resurrection is not just a miracle. It is validation. It is the evidence that everything he said about himself, about us, and about eternity is completely true.

Christianity doesn’t claim to be the only way because Christians are better than everyone else. It claims to be the only way because Jesus is the only one who did what needed to be done. He lived without sin. He died in our place. He rose in victory. No one else in history meets that description.

And when you look at the way Jesus lived, the distinction becomes even clearer. He did not build an empire. He walked with the poor. He healed the sick. He ate with sinners. He loved his enemies. He taught with authority and then backed it up with action. He didn't demand followers; he invited them. He didn't shame doubters; he engaged them. And he didn't run from death; he conquered it.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Christianity is just another religion in the mix, start with Jesus. Not the Jesus of assumption or culture, but the Jesus of the Gospels. He is not one voice among many. He is the voice that calms storms, silences critics, and calls the dead to life.

Apply

Take five minutes today to write down what you believe makes Jesus different. Not a theological essay—just a few sentences in your own words. Then ask yourself, “Do I actually live like I believe this?”

If Jesus is the only way, then it’s not just a belief to hold. It’s a message to share, a grace to embody, and a truth that shapes everything—from how you treat others to how you spend your time. Start by living that difference today. Choose humility over pride, service over self, truth over comfort.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for doing what no one else could. You didn’t wait for me to find you. You came looking for me. You gave up glory for suffering, and comfort for the cross. Help me never take that for granted. Give me compassion and courage when I speak with others who believe differently. Let your truth be clear, and your love be unmistakable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.