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.

In these challenging times, as we witness a profound shift in the governmental structures of the United States, we are called to respect the authorities placed over us. Despite the evident erosion of liberties and the subtle, yet persistent, revolutionary changes in government, religion, economics, and education over the past century, our response must be one of disciplined contrast to the prevailing disobedient spirit. We are to live with these circumstances, exemplifying God's way in our conduct, even as we see parallels to historical rejections of divine governance, such as with Israel under Samuel, where the people surrendered their liberties to a human king. All governing authority, whether personal, civil, or church, flows from the Father, and those in power are answerable to Him. Governments of nations, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and others, receive their authority from the God we worship. As such, we are expected to voluntarily govern ourselves to give respect, taxes, customs, fear, and honor to those in authority, out of reverence for God who appointed them. This respect is not because these entities are the government of God, but because they act as His agents, set up and taken down at His discretion. History reveals that controlling administrations never endure, often ending in violent rebellion. In contrast, God's approach to governance is through persuasion and truth, allowing individuals the space to make up their minds. As we observe the nation moving toward a nanny-state environment, where the state is increasingly viewed as the provider, we must hold fast to our relationship with God, recognizing that true salvation lies not in government, but in Him.