We live in a world where disobedience to laws seems to be the norm, with many manipulating man's laws to serve their own desires. Yet, for those called by God, obedience to His laws is paramount, designed to produce happiness and build godly character. God places us under the governments of men—national, state, town, workplace, and home—to train us in the habit of obedience. Despite satan's influence fostering an environment of rebellion and leaders who set examples of disobedience, God establishes government on a broad scale for order and man's benefit, teaching us the vital lesson to obey the authority over us, except when it conflicts with His laws. Jesus Christ Himself affirmed the necessity of submitting to civil authority, even under a ruler unworthy of respect, instructing that taxes and dues be paid as required. Similarly, the apostles and early followers lived under the non-God government of Rome without resisting or breaking laws, demonstrating obedience by giving Caesar what was due and paying taxes. God ordains all civil magistrates, arranging their power by His providence, and we are not to resist what He has appointed. Violation of laws exposes one to punishment, both by the laws of the land and, if the lesson is not learned, by correction from God. We are to be subject to civil rulers as a matter of high obligation and conscience, recognizing that government is instituted by God's will. A good citizen yields in obedience because it is His desire, representing right living and being a light to others. For this cause, God has set up government, and we are to pay taxes, obey its laws, and show respect to the office, even if not to the individual. When governmental laws conflict with God's laws, examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us to stand firm for His laws, giving due respect to civil authority in all other matters, yet willing to accept punishment if necessary. God has set up government to bring order to mankind, providing each of us the opportunity to learn the lessons of coming under authority and administering it. Proper obedience to government produces harmony, unity, safety, order, peace, and the character of obedience that God desires for us. Even as we see others disregarding the laws of the land, we must respect true authority and develop the attitude and character that God values, striving to obey the laws set over us.

God hates rebellion, and the influence of Satan, the prince of all rebellion, permeates our society, fostering lawlessness and chaos. This rebellious spirit is evident in governments, where leaders often fail to set an ethical example, defending themselves against charges of fraud and misconduct. Judicial systems mock laws through technicalities and loopholes, allowing the wealthy and powerful to evade justice. This corruption affects society, breeding mistrust and dissatisfaction with authority. In the United States, this mistrust manifests in militias and paramilitary groups opposing big government, often leading to more rights being stripped through anti-terrorist legislation and the threat of civil war. The concept of sovereign citizenship, where individuals reject laws they disagree with, reflects this rebellion. Such citizens refuse to pay taxes, obtain licenses, or submit to government, believing they are above human authority. This attitude of personal sovereignty mirrors rebellion against man's laws and risks influencing even God's church. God has ordained civil authorities to bring order, and resisting them is resisting His will. We are called to be subject to governing authorities, recognizing them as appointed by Him. Breaking laws invites punishment from these authorities, who are God's ministers, and we should obey not just from fear but for conscience' sake. This includes paying taxes, obeying laws, and respecting officials, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who paid taxes despite living under an oppressive government. Even in Babylon, figures like Daniel served loyally in government, standing firm for God's way only when laws conflicted with His commands. God places authority over us to teach submission, a lesson vital for all, as even Christ is subject to the Father. Obedience to authority fosters harmony, order, and peace, developing the character God desires in us. As problems and corruption in government multiply toward the end of the age, our response should not be rebellion but wise obedience, trusting God to guide and protect us from injustice. We must guard against Satan's broadcast attitude of rebellion and personal sovereignty, focusing instead on seeking God's Kingdom and developing the submissive character of Jesus Christ.

In times of national disappointment and betrayal, the purpose and function of government come into question, especially during crises like wars or pandemics that prompt extraordinary governmental measures. Such circumstances often blur the line between protecting citizens and eroding their civil rights, raising dilemmas for Christians about their duties toward the state. The authority of human government, as shown in the interaction between Jesus Christ and Pilate, is not intrinsic but delegated by God, meaning all power is legitimized by Him and must be respected. Jesus Himself acknowledged Pilate's authority as divinely authorized, courteously answering his questions and never suggesting that Pilate lacked the right to judge Him, even when the judgment was wrong. The Bible provides guidance on this matter, emphasizing that Christians are to be subject to higher authorities, acting as model citizens by obeying civil laws, paying taxes honestly, and respecting those in power, even if they are corrupt. Revolution for the sake of personal gain is deemed unchristian; instead, honor and thankfulness are due to those who govern. However, this obedience has limits. When the commands of the state conflict with God's direct commands in Scripture or the moral standards arising from them, Christians must prioritize obedience to God, even if it means facing consequences like imprisonment or death. Two specific limits to obedience are highlighted. First, the state has no right to forbid the proclamation of the gospel, a duty commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself; resistance is required if such a prohibition is imposed. Second, the state cannot command immoral or anti-Christian acts; refusal is necessary in such cases, despite potential repercussions. The authority of human government, while legitimate, is bound by the moral nature of God, from whom it originates, and thus involves responsibility and the potential for sin if misused. Pilate's failure to act justly, driven by fear of man rather than reverence for God, serves as a cautionary example. His fear of the people, of Caesar, and even of Christ Himself led to a grave moral error in condemning the Son of God. In contrast, Christians are called to fear God above man, trusting in His sovereignty over human affairs. This trust, coupled with a thorough grounding in Scripture to discern right from wrong, and a willingness to surrender everything to obey God, equips believers to navigate conflicts with governmental authority. Ultimately, God's sovereignty reigns supreme over all human government. His authority is the ultimate check on earthly powers, ensuring that even in the face of tyranny or corruption, there remains a higher standard to which all must answer. Without God in the picture, there is no sure means of guiding government properly, leaving society vulnerable to the unchecked desires and arrogance of human rulers. True power and strength belong to God alone, whose omnipotent sovereignty is the foundation for any legitimate authority.