Don’t settle for anyone or anything less

The Coexist movement started with a simple, naive view that all religions are equal. Period. There’s no reason we can’t all get along because none of them are any better or worse. That’s exactly what Piotr Młodożeniec had in mind when he created the first Coexist graphic in 2000. And since U2 displayed it prominently during the Vertigo Tour, it must be true.

And while they may differ on some minor, unimportant thoughts, Coexist proudly says we should warmly welcome all with open arms. No matter their religious convictions, we can stand shoulder to shoulder with them as we walk through this life. Modern society has grabbed onto this idea hook, line, and sinker.

One of the natural, inevitable conclusions of Coexist thinking is that all roads lead to God. It doesn’t matter what you believe or who you worship, all paths eventually come to God. No one is any closer or farther away from the truth. It’s like everyone’s using different trails to climb a mountain, Or you plug in God as the destination on your driving app and it gives you all these different routes. One way is just as right as the other.

Perhaps the most familiar way of explaining the Coexist idea is through the parable of the blind men and the elephant. It tries

to show that different religions are like several blind people touching different parts of the same elephant. The tail, a leg, a trunk, a tusk, and its side. As they describe what they’re feeling, it’s all true became it’s based on their limited experience. And like the blind men, no single religion holds the whole truth. Each is partially correct because their imperfect experience eventually connects to something bigger. They’re all touching and experiencing the divine in their own way.

For many Christians, the reflex reaction is violently against everyone and everything even remotely connected with the Coexist idea. After all, Jesus said He alone was the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). He is the only one who came from heaven (see John 3:13). Jesus and only Jesus is the one and only name under heaven through who we must be saved (see Acts 4:12).  Without a doubt, Jesus followers have believed these and so many more examples since the beginning.

But in this time, could there be a better way to connect with people who put Coexist banners all over the place? I believe there is because I’ve yet to see a single person leave their Coexist ideas by yell at them or calling them names.

I really feel sorry for my Coexist friends. They really don’t have any answers. Here are three observations our Coexist neighbors who try and live their lives without any truth that they can rest on.

Lifeless

When you try and Coexist, your faith will be lifeless. Listless. Dull. There can’t be any energy or power from your beliefs. Why? Because your faith isn’t any better or more true than anything else. It’s like debating if the fat free milk from one store is any better than another. There’s nothing all that different than the others. If they basically are all the same, then there’s no real reason to discuss or try and bring people to your side.

In contrast, think about how Jesus was absolutely committed to doing the will of His Father (see John 6:38). Or how the Apostle Paul willingly poured out his life for his Lord and the young church (see 2 Timothy 4:6). This doesn’t sound like a lifeless kind of existence. But a life lived with power based on the unique truth of who God.

Loveless

The love I’m talking about isn’t some emotional euphoria that’s here for a moment and then vanishes like the morning mist. No, God’s kind of love is so much more than simply a feeling. His love will do the absolutely best thing for others. No matter the cost, God’s love is always turned towards the outside.

Unfortunately, people following the Coexist idea have never experienced this kind of love within their circle of belief. This is a great opportunity of this moment for you to show loving kindness to those poor, unfortunate people that have bought into the lie of Coexist. Even if you think of them as your enemy, we are commanded by Jesus Himself to love them (see Matthew 5:44).

Lordless

When you’re a Coexist follower, there’s really no incentive to follow or obey anything taught by your particular religion or beliefs. Because they are all the same, any laws, commands, or warnings don’t carry any weight. Someone might try to guilt you into doing something. Or threaten the hammer of punishment to force you to conform. But if your beliefs aren’t really different and true, then you can just ignore them. There can’t be any kind of eternal punishment because it’s not based on an eternal God or His Eternal truth.

But Christians cannot think that their faith is just like all others. Jesus doesn’t give us any wiggle room. Obedience our Lord isn’t an option. According to Jesus, it’s non-negotiable. When it comes to how to speak, live, and love, Jesus is about as subtle as a slap in the face. If we love Him, then we will keep His commandments (see John 14:15).

God-Given Gateway

So, how are we to approach our friends that follow the Coexist approach to life? What door does God want you to walk through when it comes to sharing your faith with someone trapped by Coexist thinking. God’s gateway to their heart is simple and powerful.

Do not fear them or be intimidated, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

1 Peter 3:14,15

Yes, we should not fear them or be intimidated. Yes, we need to be able to give a defense to anyone who asks. But what’s our motivation? What’s the reason we’re willing to speak? What do they need most? What’s the most powerful and attractive weapon we have?

It’s the hope that is in you.

Everyone caught in the trap of Coexist thinking will be hopeless. Why? Because no one has the real truth. Their beliefs are no better than any other. They are all struggling in the quicksand of life, looking for some solid ground to steady their sinking lives. And that’s where the hope that’s in you comes is so attractive and powerful.

I have a friend whose family is going through about as rough of a time as you can imagine. The details aren’t important. But their pain and sorrow is so thick that you can cut it with a knife.

So, when their boss asks about how they are able to cope with life and everything that’s piling onto them, their answer isn’t an empty pat answer. They honestly talk about their struggles but wrapped in the strong and compassionate arms of God’s real and certain hope. Hope in Gods personal awareness of their suffering. Hope that knows Jesus has experienced our weaknesses. Hope that one day, everything will be made right.

And why will Coexist people stop long enough to listen? Because of the power of our weakness. These are the co’s that they need.

• Willing to be their companion.
• Share our comfort.
• Give honest compassion.

Our family isn’t looking for another perfect Christian with an AI-enhanced picture. Our friends could care less about some world-class, best-selling author. Our neighbors don’t want to listen to a world-renowned keynote speaker. They’re looking for someone who will be a friend. Someone willing to stop, put down their phone, and give them the precious gift of listening. Someone who will put their arms around them and weep with them.

This is your opportunity to connect with the people around you for Jesus. Take that next step. You won’t regret it. And God will use you so that they won’t forget it.

About the Author – Chet Gladkowski spent his professional career in the insurance technology arena to help people. Now, Chet uses his memorable and unique communication skills, coupled with digital media, to approach the pain, issues, and heartache that people face today. Since we can’t fix or heal ourselves, we must look at someone else. And that someone else is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ as the answer to our greatest need.

Chet’s upcoming book, ServeLife^® – How Serving Unlocks Your Purpose walks you through how your life and purpose are just like a stack of pancakes./