The Rule of Saint Benedict

Chapter 5: On Obedience
But this very obedience will be acceptable to God and pleasing to all only if what is commanded is done without hesitation, delay, lukewarmness, grumbling, or objection. For the obedience given to Superiors is given to God, since He Himself has said, "He who hears you, hears Me" (Luke 10:16). And the disciples should offer their obedience with a good will, for "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7). For if the disciple obeys with an ill will and murmurs, not necessarily with his lips but simply in his heart, then even though he fulfill the command yet his work will not be acceptable to God, who sees that his heart is murmuring. And, far from gaining a reward for such work as this,he will incur the punishment due to murmurers, unless he amend and make satisfaction. Cheerful giving is the way. To do and not count the cost of giving with a joyful heart unburdened not complaining. The murmuring is a sign that although the act was done the heart was not in it. "God loves a cheerful giver." With the cheer is the sign that the heart is in the act of giving. Obedience is very much a vow of love. It is being open to hear the need, the request and being unselfish in response. Daily there is a call to obey others and in that living obey God. To be openly attentive to what they are saying and respond. It is a life of opportunities to live more fully alive in living the Gospel daily.