1 Corinthians 12

Paul changes topics and begins discussing spiritual gifts. These gifts, given to all, are distributed by the Holy Spirit for the good of all - without regard for position, place or prominence. No one person has every gift, and not every gift is possessed by all. This highlights the need for a cooperative spirit in the church, so that all gifts are utilized in a way that mutually benefits all, and so that God receives the glory. For one member to think themselves able to operate outside the whole would be as ludicrous as an eye attempting to live independent of the body. Paul states that the operative motive is to desire the best gifts - those that will help the most people; and yet, he states, there is something even better.