This morning in the shower, I found myself recalling the lyrics to The Temples Of Syrinx, the RUSH song from the album 2112, and the story involved therein. Thinking about the concept of that album, I wondered what it was about totalitarian rule that we find so objectionable. That lead to other ponderings…

Why do teenagers want the same kind of clothing and shoes that “everyone else” is wearing? Is it a need to conform? If conformance was a basic human desire, then North Korea would have an illegal immigration crisis. What motivates some to step on others as the climb they corporate ladder? Is it a base desire to “one-up” or excel beyond their peers?

As I contemplated human nature, it seemed to me that humans have a desire to be accepted, yet while maintaining our uniqueness; to be different, and yet belong. I think that if you boil even that notion down to its core, you end up with a need to be liked – or even loved – just as we are. At some level, I believe that we all desire unconditional love.

The notion of unconditional love is what makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ so radical. Consider Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Once we accept the forgiveness that He offers, His word exhorts us “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). The Biblical Church (as defined in the Scriptures) is the epitome of unique individuals with a genuine belonging (to Christ and to each other). Consider that the Body of Christ (the Church) is made up of many members, yet one body - the uniqueness of each contributing to a whole (1 Cor. 12:4 ff; Eph. 4:16); believers are likened to living stones making up one house (1 Pet. 2:5).

To keep this bite-sized, suffice it to say that I believe that Christ meets the deepest need of unconditional love for men and women, boys and girls, transgendered and those struggling with gender identity - through His sacrifice, His forgiveness, and inclusion in the Body of Christ; His Church; His bride.