not only more honoring for man, but it also exalted God. God's highest creature, the crown of His earthly creation, loved and served his Creator; not from compulsion, but by free choice. How man's free choice was more honoring to both God and man is illustrated by the following story.

Tom and Mark met at the school playground as both were walking their dogs.

"Come!" Tom commanded as he gave a sharp tug on the chain leash firmly attached to the neck of his dog. On account of the frequent tugs and pulls on the leash, the dog reluctantly followed his master.

"Come, Rex," Mark called, and instantly his unleashed dog jumped up and walked in step at his side. Rex could be observed perfectly stopping, sitting, and running according to his master's commands.

Which combination was more honoring to both dog and owner? Why?

2. Man 's freely choosing to love and obey God would lead to a higher state. Through obedience, man would receive the reward of eternal life. By giving man both the freedom of choice and the ability to serve Him, God gave him the possibility of earning a wonderfully joyful, holy, and immortal existence for both soul and body.

How did man's higher state of blessing bring with it greater responsibility? What truth and lesson does this emphasize?

How can we observe that God always dealt at a higher level with man than with animals? Those teaching that man is an evolving animal will always promote lower views of human life. Why?

Ye shall therefore keep My statutes, and My judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.

- Leviticus 18:5

And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever.

- Genesis 3:22b