IT’S ALL ABOUT OBEDIENCE
Kimberly Portillo
Today's Scripture: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, ...” Romans 12:4, ESV
Theme: Every part of the body of Christ has a valued function; none are meant to remain unused.
STIRRING IN MY HEART
From a young age, I was inspired by powerful preaching and incredible worship I experienced in the large church I grew up in. Our church had many ministers, each with a unique preaching style, along with five different praise and worship teams, representing various genres. Even then, I was unknowingly witnessing what Scripture describes in Romans 12:4 (ESV): “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function.” I remember looking up to them, captivated by what God was doing through their lives.
I also remember the days of tent revivals and missionaries coming to speak, when there was a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Even as a young girl, I felt a stirring in my heart—a pull toward something bigger than myself. I didn’t fully understand it then; I just knew I wanted my life to make an impact, and I wanted to help people know Jesus.
MINISTRY IS EVERYWHERE
Growing up, I was involved in everything—singing every Sunday on the worship team, participating in drama, serving as a student leader, helping with sign language, doing hospital ministry—if there was a way to serve, I said “yes.” I always said “yes” to God. Looking back, I see that God was teaching me that every role mattered. Not everyone preached; not everyone sang; but every function was necessary for the body to thrive.
As I entered adulthood, I began working at a new church. By then, I was married and had moved away from home, so this church was completely new to us. I did whatever was needed—buying groceries, managing inventory, helping with accounting, and leading volunteer teams. It didn’t matter what the task was. We fell deeply in love with the church and fully bought into the vision God had given it. I learned that the body of Christ is strengthened just as much by those who serve behind the scenes as by those who stand on the platform.
My husband and I then began doing mission work around the world. We taught English in Central Asia, helped churches with life group and worship development in Spain, spent time in Morocco praying for new believers, and served through community outreach by walking the streets of Detroit. What God had stirred in me as a young girl was coming to life. Each place, each assignment, each act of obedience was simply another function within the same body—different expressions of the same calling to love and serve. All I knew was to keep saying “yes” and to keep obeying.
Romans 12 reminds us that the body doesn’t function because everyone does the same thing, but because everyone faithfully does their part. What matters is that you obey when God asks you. He sees it.
Make It Personal: When you look back, can you see moments where God was stirring something in your heart, even before you understood it? Have you ever felt a pull toward something bigger than yourself but didn’t know what to do with it? Who has God placed in your life that He wants you to help know Jesus?
Let me encourage you to serve where you are. Get connected. Step in. Whether you write, teach, lead, pray, or serve quietly behind the scenes, God has given you a function in His body. And when you say “yes” to that calling, He is glorified!
Pray: Heavenly Father,
thank You for calling each of us and giving us a place in Your body. Show us where You are calling us to serve in this season and give us the courage to say “yes.” For those just beginning, give clarity; for those in quiet seasons, give confidence.
For parents, give grace as we lead our children to love Jesus. Holy Spirit, stir the gifts You’ve placed within us. Use our lives right where we are — ALWAYS for Your honor and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Ephesians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, 1 Peter 4:10
Weekly Memory Verse: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1a, ESV