"Why not? We won't get caught! Besides, even if we did, your dad is so nice he would never hurt you!"

"That's why I won't do it," Mark responded. "I don't want to hurt my father who never wants to hurt me."

What clear differences in motivation for obedience are apparent between Mark and his friends? Which is more honoring? Why?

A missionary had been searching for a length of time to find a native word for "obedience." One day as he was returning home, his dog lingered behind. The missionary whistled, and instantly, the dog ran to him, and stopped at his feet.

An old native man by the roadside commented with admiration, "Your dog is 'all ear'!"

The missionary found the word he needed. He told the people that they must be "all ear" to the Lord and His Word.

Why is "all ear" a fitting term for obedience, both to men in delegated positions of authority and to God as ultimate Authority?

To obey those in authority over us when we agree with their requests or commands is easier; but when it opposes our own desires, it is much harder, due to our self-will and self-pride.

Pierre Barlot was a gunner in the fort of Mount Valerin during the Prussian seige of Paris. One day General Noel, the commander, asked, "Gunner, do you see the Sevres bridge?"

"Yes Sir," he replied.

"Do you see that little house in the thicket of shrubs to the left?"

"I see it, Sir," Pierre responded, turning pale.

"It's hiding a nest full of Prussians. Blast it with a shell."

Pierre turned paler yet, sighted carefully, and fired.

"Well hit, my man, well hit!" exclaimed the general. But looking at his gunner, he was surprised to see him in tears.