In this world, many disregard the laws of the land, viewing them as mere suggestions to be broken. Yet, for those called by God, obedience to His laws is paramount, and He places us under human governments to train us in the habit of obedience. These governments, whether national, state, or local, as well as those in our workplaces and homes, are established by God to bring order and benefit to mankind. He uses them to teach us the vital lesson of submission to authority, a lesson critical to avoiding the rebellion exemplified by satan. Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated this principle when questioned about paying taxes to a corrupt ruler. Despite the unworthiness of the authority, He affirmed that what was due under the tax system should be paid, showing that even under flawed governance, obedience is required unless it conflicts with God's laws. Similarly, the apostles under Roman rule did not resist or break laws but gave what was due to Caesar, setting an example of law-abiding behavior. God has ordained all civil authorities, arranging them by His providence to maintain an orderly society. We are not to resist what He has appointed, for to do so invites judgment and punishment, both from the laws of the land and from God Himself. Obedience to civil rulers is a matter of conscience and duty to God, who expects us to submit to the authority over us as part of His will. As good citizens, we must pay taxes, obey laws, and show respect to the office, even if not to the individual holding it. When governmental laws conflict with God's laws, we have examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who served faithfully within the Babylonian government, giving due respect to the king in all matters except where demands contradicted God's laws. In such cases, they stood firm, willing to accept any punishment from civil authorities rather than compromise their obedience to God. Proper obedience to government produces harmony, unity, safety, order, peace, and the character of submission that God desires for us. Even as we are sometimes given authority to learn how to handle it, we are more often placed under authority to learn submission and governance. This lesson is so crucial that God will place His people under strict rule if necessary to teach them not to rebel. Despite the pervasive attitude of rebellion influenced by satan, the prince of the power of the air, we must remain conscious of true authority, respect it, and strive to obey the laws of the land, developing the character God values.