“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” John 8:31

Surface profession of faith seems an easy road. In Christ’s ministry, some followed the crowd in public, amazed at miracles, and enthralled by His teaching. But Jesus knew a surface response did not necessarily indicate a heart change. 

He proclaimed to these surface followers that by faith in God they could be set free. Offended, they protested that they did not need to be set free, that they were enslaved to no one. The Savior explained that slavery to sin robs one of yielding lordship to God. The fruit of yielding obedience to the Lord includes personal freedom under His reign. But it requires one to count the cost, then take up the cross to follow Christ.

The first test Christ gave these professed disciples is still the first test of discipleship, obedience. Spiritual maturity comes as obedience is practiced. Profession alone is not enough. What is your next step of obedience to your loving Lord?