God counsels His children on how to have peace in an anything-but-peaceful world through the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 13:1-7. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do what is right and you will be commended, for the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason; they are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Scripture consistently supports this counsel, as seen in Daniel 4:17, which declares that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men. The apostle Peter also advises in I Peter 2:17 to honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, and honor the king. Paul's encouragement to live at peace in the world aligns with God's fifth commandment to honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

Submission to authority is a central theme in the life of a Christian, as exemplified by the apostle Paul in Romans 13:1-7. He encourages believers to live at peace in the world by honoring and obeying those in authority, reflecting the principle of the fifth commandment to honor one's father and mother. This submission extends beyond familial ties to include national and local leaders, employers, and other authority figures in our lives, recognizing them under the ultimate authority of the true Ruler of the world. Paul's own life demonstrates this principle of submission to God's sovereign will. God determined the course of Paul's life, not human powers, teaching us that nothing can alter the divine plan. Likewise, we are called to submit and honor authority as an act of deference to God's unseen leadership, trusting in His power to bring about the right outcome. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, provides the ultimate example of submission by honoring His Father completely. In John 16:33, He assures us of peace amidst worldly tribulation, having overcome the world. Following His example, as well as Paul's, we are to submit to both divine and human authority, setting a proper example to those around us. By embracing this attitude, we gain the confidence of peace in our lives, patiently accepting God's dominion while focusing on the personal transformation we can achieve.

Authority, as a positive force, naturally encourages growth and serves a good purpose wherever people strive to help each other. It assists in fostering life, as seen when parents author the growth of their children, or when a music teacher encourages a talented student to compose, or when a pastor nurtures spiritual development with God-given authority. Good fruit is produced from true authority, evident in the positive outcomes of relationships with those who wield it rightly. However, there exists a stark contrast between authority and authoritarianism, the latter being a perversion that imposes conformity, restricts individual development, and reduces freedom through repressive tactics. Authoritarianism, rooted in power rather than love, thrives on force, manipulation, humiliation, and control, serving the few who dominate the many by promoting bureaucratic structures and excessive laws as ends in themselves. This oppressive form causes anxiety and fear, unlike true authority, which does not. The resentment of authority often stems from pride, a deep-seated issue that distorts truth and reality, leading to rebellion against rightful authority. Pride manifests in self-centeredness, false humility, permissiveness of sin, and outright rebellion, as exemplified by historical figures like Cain, Balaam, and Korah, whose actions against authority bore destructive consequences. This same attitude of self-exaltation can affect individuals today, leading to opposition against God Himself and His ordained structures. Obedience to authority is not inherently negative, nor is disobedience inherently glorious; it depends on the nature of the orders given or behavior demanded. Blind disobedience is as undesirable as blind obedience, often driven by egotism where personal whim becomes law, and following orders is seen as a threat to one's pride. In a complex society, trust in authority is necessary, often implicitly, as individuals rely on networks of authority like licensing boards and examiners for safety and order. As Christians, there is an obligation to obey the laws of the land, provided they do not conflict with God's laws. Proper human authority depends on mentally healthy individuals maintaining healthy relationships in personal, work, and public spheres. Every encounter with authority tests one's readiness to function in the Kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness even in small matters, as Jesus taught that he who is faithful in little is faithful in much. Rebellion against authority, fueled by pride, has been a persistent problem since creation, evident today in families, schools, governments, and religion. Jesus Christ, in the parable of the minas, highlighted the rejection of His authority by those who refused to let Him reign, pronouncing judgment on such rebellion to underscore that He desires only those He can rule in His Kingdom. Humility, the antidote to pride, involves recognizing one's smallness before God, focusing on others, and submitting to His mighty hand, trusting that He will exalt the humble in due time. God's Word stands as the ultimate standard of authority, defining right and wrong, imparting wisdom, and serving as the basis for judgment.