In this world where disobedience to laws seems commonplace, we who are called by God must recognize the importance of obedience to the governments under which He places us. God establishes government on a broad scale for order and for man's benefit, teaching us the vital lesson of obedience to the authority set over us, except when it conflicts with His laws. Jesus Christ Himself, when questioned about submission to a corrupt ruler, affirmed that what was due to the authority through taxes should be paid, demonstrating that even under unworthy leaders, respect for the office is required. Similarly, the apostles under the non-God government of Rome showed no resistance to leadership but gave Caesar what was due him, with Jesus being law-abiding and paying His taxes. God ordains all civil magistrates by His providence, and we are not to resist what He has appointed. Those in authority generally punish unlawful behavior, not good conduct, and violating laws exposes one to judgment by the laws of the land and, if the lesson is not learned, correction by God. We are to be subject to civil rulers as a matter of high obligation and duty to God, who expects us to come under the authority over us because He has made it necessary and proper. As good citizens, we yield in obedience because it is His will, representing right living by paying taxes, obeying laws, and showing respect to the office, even if not to the individual. When governmental laws conflict with God's laws, we have examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who gave due respect to the Babylonian king in all circumstances except when demands contradicted God's laws. In such cases, they stood firm for God's laws, willing to accept any punishment from the civil government. 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 God desires for us. Despite the pervasive attitude of rebellion influenced by satan, the prince of the power of the air, we must remain conscious of the need to respect true authority. We are to develop the attitude and character that God values, striving to obey the laws of the land, even when others disregard them.