Interdependence

 Many times people offer great praise to the energy and drive observed in a sports team that demonstrates close coordination and seamless performance of the members. This coordination and interdependence is also observed in the famous U.S. Navy Blue Angel team. Some people say these examples show a spirit of team "oneness." When believers in Jesus are baptized, they become members of the body of Christ which includes other humans who are also on their own unique spiritual journey, allowing the Holy Spirit to prepare them for eternity. They were adopted into God's massive family of which Jesus is the head and all Christians are siblings with other brothers and sisters. "We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body... and we were all given the one Spirit to drink," 1 Cor. 12:13 (NIV). As members of this family, we have benefits and responsibilities. One major responsibility is encouraging others, whether it is other family members or those curious about the family ideals. To accomplish this, the Holy Spirit gives each Christian gifts (Gal. 5:25ff), perhaps unique, through which He works to accomplish His desires. These gifts may change from time to time depending of what the Holy Spirit needs accomplished. These gifts are supernatural and only come from the Spirit at His discretion. "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." - 1 Cor. 12:11 (NIV). The believer cannot demand these gifts, but they may request and explore, yet they should accept them by following the guidance given by the Holy Spirit to the specific individual to accomplish His goal of unity or oneness for praising God.