We live in a world where disobedience to laws seems to be the norm, with many manipulating man's laws for their own desires. As those called by God, we understand that obedience to His laws is paramount for happiness and godly character. God places us under human governments—national, state, local, workplace, and home—to train us in the habit of obedience. Despite satan's influence fostering an environment of rebellion and leaders who set poor examples, God establishes government for order and man's benefit, teaching us a vital lesson to obey the authorities over us, unless they conflict with His laws. Jesus Christ, when questioned about submission to unworthy rulers, affirmed that what is due to government, such as taxes, should be paid, demonstrating law-abiding behavior. Similarly, in Paul's time, it was emphasized that government is ordained by God, and we must not resist what He has appointed. We are to be subject to civil rulers as a matter of conscience and duty to God, showing respect to the office, if not the individual, and paying taxes to support the government. Violation of laws exposes one to punishment, and as God's people, we cannot disregard the law simply because we belong to Him. When governmental laws conflict with God's laws, examples like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us to give due respect to authority in all circumstances, except when demands oppose God's laws. In such cases, they stood firm for God's laws, willing to accept punishment from civil authorities. God has set up government to bring order and provide opportunities to learn submission and governance, essential lessons for developing harmony, unity, safety, peace, and the character of obedience He desires in us. Despite satan's pervasive rebellious attitude in the world, we must respect true authority and strive to obey the laws of the land, cultivating the attitude and character God values.

In these challenging times, we must address our attitude toward government with the guidance provided by Paul to Timothy in Titus 3. Despite the evil permeating the administrative actions in the United States, we are called to live with these circumstances and retaliate by exemplifying God's way. It is a struggle not to be swept into the disobedient spirit of the age, yet we must discipline ourselves to offer a stark contrast to the prevailing attitudes and conduct. We are witnessing a massive, revolutionary overturn of American government, religion, economics, and education, a process spanning a century and now reaching a critical juncture. Similar to the ancient Israelites in I Samuel 8, who relinquished their liberties by demanding a king, the American people today are surrendering their freedoms to a government, mirroring a historical pattern of rejecting self-governance under God for centralized control. This rejection of self-government is evident in historical actions such as the transfer of monetary control to the Federal Reserve Bank in 1912, a move that gradually shifted power away from the people. As in the times of Habakkuk, where pleas against injustice were raised, many in influential positions in government and courts today scorn God's moral law, seeking deliverance through endless legislation rather than obedience to Him. Romans 13 reminds us that all governing authority, whether personal, civil, or church, flows from the Father, and all are answerable to Him. We are to give respect to these authorities, paying taxes and honoring them as appointed by God, not out of compulsion but as a voluntary act of self-governance under His rule. However, history demonstrates that controlling administrations never endure, often ending in violent rebellion, unlike God's method of governance through persuasion and truth. The Constitution of the United States, though imperfect, grants significant liberties based on the premise of a self-governing citizenry. Its framers, including James Madison, understood the necessity of a God-fearing populace for its success. Yet, as this nation moves away from these principles toward a godless state and socialism, it risks becoming a nanny-state where the government is seen as the provider, echoing the deification of rulers in ancient Rome. We must hold fast to our relationship with God, for true salvation lies not in government but in Him.

In times of national disappointment and betrayal by government, questions arise about its purpose and function, especially during crises like wars or pandemics that lead to extraordinary measures such as lockdowns and restrictions on worship. Under such circumstances, history reveals a fine line between protecting citizens and eroding their civil rights, a line often exploited in uncertainty. The Christian's attitude toward government involves navigating complex duties, questioning whether to obey earthly authorities or God when commands conflict, particularly in matters like taxes used for immoral ends. Scriptural guidance provides clarity on this relationship. Jesus Christ, during His trial before Pilate, emphasized that all authority, including that of human government, is delegated by God, as seen in John 19:11 where He used the term "exousia" to denote legitimate authority. This indicates that governmental power is not intrinsic but divinely authorized, requiring respect and recognition. Jesus Himself respected Pilate's authority by courteously answering questions, acknowledging Pilate's right to judge, even if the judgment was wrong, without suggesting that authority be revoked for errors. Romans 13:1-7 further instructs Christians to be subject to higher authorities, to be model citizens by obeying laws, paying taxes honestly, and honoring those in power, even if they are corrupt. Revolution for personal gain is deemed unchristian; instead, respect and thankfulness are urged. However, obedience has limits. Christians must not comply with commands contrary to God's direct instructions or moral standards derived from Scripture. Jesus highlighted this by speaking of sin in relation to authority, noting that authority involves responsibility to God, and misuse of it constitutes sin against Him. Specific limits to obedience include the proclamation of the gospel, a duty that must not be hindered by governmental commands, as illustrated in Acts 4 and 5 where the apostles defied orders to remain silent and continued preaching. Christians must be willing to suffer consequences like imprisonment or death for such persistence. Another limit concerns Christian conduct and morals; no government can rightfully command an immoral or anti-Christian act, and refusal is necessary even at personal cost. The danger of resisting authority out of personal dislike or pride is cautioned against, as Jesus noted that the sin of religious leaders was greater than Pilate's due to their motives and knowledge. Christians must ensure their resistance is guided by God's voice in Scripture, not personal inclination, recognizing that the state, often right and instituted by God, should generally be obeyed. Deciding when to oppose a governmental demand requires discernment, ensuring resistance is based on divine command rather than mere disagreement.

Under the New Covenant, we are to be subject to the civil governments of men, recognizing that their authority is derived from God. Being subject to them is an act of obedience to God, as Peter emphasized that we must submit to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, out of regard for Him. However, adhering to laws such as speed limits often proves difficult, revealing our struggle to be faithful even in small matters. This raises questions about our attitude toward law and government, challenging whether we signal to God a willingness to be faithful in greater responsibilities. Human nature exhibits an almost overpowering unwillingness to live within the limits imposed by any governor, whether civil, familial, or divine. This resistance stems from the carnal mind's enmity against God, the ultimate source of all authority. Our tendency to set our own limits and justify breaking decrees when they infringe upon our desires leads to pain and chaos, as history demonstrates across six thousand years of human experience. This unwillingness to submit is a primary factor causing governmental problems, evident when individuals refuse to live within established boundaries in various aspects of life. God deals with us as individuals under the New Covenant, emphasizing personal responsibility in submission to Him. Each person is significant, called and judged individually, with direct access to God's presence made possible through Christ's sacrifice. This intimate relationship requires us to govern ourselves, consenting and willingly submitting to God's authority without the need for force. True liberty in God's government arises from voluntary obedience, not coercion. The responsibility to discern and decide falls on the individual, even when faced with authority within or outside the church. God's government and church government are not always synonymous, and God does not endorse every act of those in power, even if He allows them to hold authority. Examples like Daniel and his companions show that submission to a higher power may require refusing to obey human decrees that conflict with God's will, while still accepting the consequences. Similarly, Peter resisted a heavenly voice commanding him to break God's law, demonstrating the importance of personal discernment. Even within the church, false teachers and leaders may arise, and God holds each person accountable to prove all things and hold fast to what is good. This individual responsibility is critical, as God tests our love and discernment through such challenges. We must answer to Christ, not merely to human authority, ensuring our obedience aligns with God's truth, even if it means standing apart from the main body. Through maintaining close contact with God, we gain the discernment and protection needed to navigate these tests, fulfilling our role in His government by personal submission and obedience.

Government, in its best state, is often seen as a necessary evil, and at its worst, intolerable. Yet, some might call it an objectionable good, acknowledging that while much about it may be objectionable, it remains good in the overall sense because the alternative of no government is unthinkable. Attitudes toward government are complex and varied, often driving actions and even open rebellion. These attitudes are far from stable, shifting with circumstances; at times, people desire swift governmental intervention to protect or defend, yet resent intrusion into personal matters. Government is omnipresent, impacting every facet of life, always current and immediate. Some view it as a necessary evil, others as a means of control, while many hold indifference, ambition, or contempt toward it. Ambivalence marks these feelings, as people seek government's mercy when they err, yet demand strictness for others. As groups grow larger, the necessity of government becomes clearer, its role more complex due to diverse perspectives, requiring either common consent to rules or enforced authority to maintain order. The purpose of government, as shown from the beginning, is to bring order out of chaos, to direct creation toward a set goal. God, as the supreme Governor, exercises authority and power to achieve this, conferring governing powers to mankind with the intent of positive use—to maintain, preserve, and promote growth toward perfection. Government's functions include educating, edifying, and guiding through laws to maintain order and align conduct with divine purpose. It also involves enforcing rules, issuing judgments, and warning of penalties for disobedience, as disobedience accelerates disorganization and chaos. When government is rejected, it leads to anarchy, beginning in the home and spreading to society, potentially resulting in extinction unless submission or divine intervention occurs. God's government, as seen in historical patterns, delegates responsibility, incorporates counsel from the governed in choosing leaders, and provides the necessary means to govern, whether in civil or spiritual matters. A primary function of leadership within this government is to teach and instruct in His ways, aiming to produce an abundant life, not merely existence, but a prosperous, full life as He intends. Submission to God's government, though perceived as burdensome by some, is not so, for His laws are designed to yield good outcomes. The true difficulty lies in overcoming the enmity and negative character instilled by living under opposing influences. There is a profound need for a government that teaches, leads, and guides in ways that produce right results, a government to which the converted have consented, embracing a way of life that fosters abundance.

Under the New Covenant, a Christian's attitude toward government is shaped by the understanding that God's Kingdom is spiritual and not of this world. Our primary allegiance, loyalty, and devotion belong to this spiritual Kingdom, which demands the submission of our will, heart, and life. While we live in the world, we are not of it, creating a separation from worldly conformity and evil due to our response to the gospel. The gospel, combined with the New Covenant, alters our relationship with God and, consequently, with government. Power ultimately resides with God, and He delegates authority to earthly governments, holding them accountable to Him. Even though many governments have not made a covenant with God and may be despotic or unjust, their existence and power flow from Him. Their purpose, as seen in the New Testament, is generally good, aimed at maintaining order in the community, deterring evildoers, and rewarding those who do right. As Christians, we are instructed to honor this delegated power, recognizing it as sent by God to prevent social chaos. Our duty is to cooperate with civil government, respecting their laws and customs, understanding that they contribute to the common good. We owe loyalty to a higher spiritual Kingdom, yet we must acknowledge that the church cannot fulfill its function without the cooperation of unconverted state governments. Their role in maintaining order is essential for the gospel to be preached and for men to be saved. Therefore, we appeal to God in prayer to permit civil government to create peace, allowing us to do His work. We are to submit to every ordinance of man, to the king and governor, honoring all men, loving the brotherhood, fearing God, and honoring the king. This submission is for the Lord's sake and because we are servants of God. As citizens of another Kingdom, living as pilgrims under a government not our own, we must never forget our identity. Submitting to secular government is, in effect, submitting to God, as we honor the power given by Him. Even when the state enacts laws contrary to God, we are to submit to the penalties while obeying God, rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. When established authority opposes God, becoming anti-Christ and demonic, it is the Christian's responsibility to show where priorities lie by obeying God and submitting to the penalties imposed by men's governments. Under the New Covenant, any separation between God and secular government occurs only when mankind enacts laws contrary to Him, yet even then, we are to remain subject to secular authority, recognizing the necessity of order for life to function harmoniously.

Government is a deeply divisive subject within any organization, often sparking hard feelings, disputes, and splits. Disagreements over its forms, powers, and rights, as well as who controls it, have historically been the seeds of wars, coups, and rebellions. Even within institutions like churches, the question of government can lead to contention. For a nation of carnal human beings, America has done a mostly satisfactory job with its government, despite widespread dissatisfaction and imperfections. The United States government, with its separation of powers and checks and balances, has weathered significant political storms over its 244-year history, yet it has also authorized many wrongs, reflecting the inherent flaws of human governance. No human government is without fault, as all are controlled by fallible men and women, doomed to disappoint their citizens often. Even governments set up by God, such as the Old Covenant with Israel, had glaring faults due to the people's inability to adhere to the agreement. The fault lies in human nature, ensuring that anything human will have flaws. God's sovereignty, however, remains supreme over all forms of government, whether acknowledged or not. He is always at the apex of every chain of command, orchestrating events and maintaining control, no matter the human structure beneath Him. Submission to God's authority is the basic law of the universe, and resistance to this reality reveals human perverseness. The primary theme of government in this context is recognizing and submitting to God's authority and judgment in this life, which prepares one for authority in the world to come. God does not mandate a specific form of human government but has worked within various systems throughout history—patriarchal, theocratic, militaristic, monarchical, and imperial—producing good outcomes and advancing His plan despite their human origins and imperfections. In church governance, the emphasis is not on a rigid organizational structure but on the attitude of those in authority. Elders and leaders are to be caring shepherds, willing servants, and good examples, judged by God not on the form of government but on how well they reflect the character of Jesus Christ. The critical factor is submission to Christ as the Head, ensuring that any governmental structure functions through faithfulness and love for the benefit of all. What matters most is being faithful and true to Christ, acknowledging His pre-eminence in all things, which forms the foundation for living peacefully and joyfully under God's governance.