Be in Subjection to Authorities

Having a heavenly citizenship doesn't absolve believers of their responsibility to earthly governments. Even though these governments function under Satan's authority with ungodly people in positions of power, the believer is not free to be selectively compliant. All persons in authority in all levels of civil government have been put in their position by God. God brings order and restraint into our sinful world even through godless leaders. Anarchy and chaos do not serve the common good of man.

Living in subjection to their leadership then becomes a matter of living in submission to God. Not only should the fear of punishment but also having a good and clear conscience before God motivate believer's subjection. Only in the situation when obeying the government would require disobeying God does the believer refuse to submit to a particular legislation that serves as a restraint or requirement.