The principle of obeying God rather than man is central to guiding Christian conduct. It is not about personal safety, reputation, or preserving lives, but about whether an action will please God. If it aligns with His will, it is right; if it does not, it is wrong. This principle was evident when Peter and John appealed to the Sanhedrin, relying on the understanding that all authority comes from God, who can modify, supersede, or repeal it. The Sanhedrin recognized that God's authority surpasses that of man in all matters, leading to their release. This bold stand highlights the right of private judgment and liberty of conscience that God grants to each individual. As members of the church, we must apply this principle of obeying God over men, especially when faced with challenges like the enforcement of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which may soon impact every family in America.

In times of conflict between human authority and divine command, the principle of obeying God rather than man stands paramount. When the commands of government clash with the directives of God, Christians must prioritize obedience to Him, recognizing that all legitimate authority is derived from God and is thus limited by His moral nature. Jesus Christ Himself acknowledged this during His trial before Pilate, affirming that Pilate's authority was granted by God, yet He also pointed out the responsibility and potential sin in its misuse. This delegated authority means that while we are to respect and honor those in power, our ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Scripture provides clear guidance on this matter, as seen in the accounts of the apostles in Acts 4 and 5. When commanded by authorities to cease preaching the gospel, Peter and John boldly declared their duty to obey God rather than man, continuing their mission despite threats and opposition. This example underscores that Christians must not yield to civil authorities when they forbid the proclamation of the gospel, even if it means facing imprisonment or death. Similarly, no government has the right to compel an immoral or anti-Christian act; in such cases, refusal is necessary, accompanied by a willingness to accept the consequences. The limits of obedience to human authority are further illustrated in the lives of Daniel and his companions, who resisted unjust decrees by trusting in God's sovereignty. Daniel continued his prayers to God despite a royal edict, and his friends refused to worship a statue, standing firm in their conviction that God's authority surpasses that of any earthly ruler. Their actions demonstrate that when faced with demands contrary to God's commands, Christians must fear God more than man, trusting in His ultimate control over human affairs. While obedience to civil authorities is generally required, as they are instituted by God, there are boundaries to this submission. Christians are called to be model citizens, honoring and respecting those in authority, yet they must resist when the state oversteps by opposing God's direct commands or moral standards. This balance requires a deep understanding of Scripture to discern right from wrong and a readiness to surrender everything, even at great personal cost, to remain faithful to God. Pilate's failure to act justly, driven by fear of man rather than reverence for God, serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of prioritizing divine authority over human pressures.

As believers called by God, we recognize that obedience to His laws is of paramount importance, for they are designed to produce happiness and build godly character. God places us under the governments of men—national, state, local, workplace, and home—to train us in the habit of obedience. He establishes government on a broad scale for order and for man's benefit, teaching us the vital lesson to obey the authority set over us, except when it conflicts with His laws. Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this principle when questioned about submitting to man's government. Despite the unworthy character of the ruling Caesar, He affirmed that what was due under the tax system should be paid, showing that even under a non-Godly authority, obedience to civil laws is expected. Similarly, Paul emphasized that there is no power but of God, meaning all civil magistrates are ordained by Him. We are not to resist what God has appointed, for government is instituted by His will, and violating laws exposes us to punishment. God expects us to come under the authority over us as a matter of conscience and duty to Him. A good citizen yields in obedience because it is His will. We are to be a light, representing right living by paying taxes, obeying laws, and showing respect to the office, even if not to the individual. Examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us how to conduct ourselves when governmental laws conflict with God's laws. They gave due respect to the Babylonian king in every circumstance, except when demands contradicted God's laws, standing firm and accepting whatever punishment the civil government imposed. God has set up government to bring order to mankind, providing each of us the opportunity to learn the lesson of coming under authority and, at times, administering it. Proper obedience to government produces harmony, unity, safety, order, peace, and the character of obedience that He desires for us. Even though we may see others disregarding the laws of the land, we must respect true authority and develop the attitude and character that God holds in such great value, striving to obey the laws set over us.