Romans 13:1-2 — Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

Myra and I read chapter 13 of Romans this morning. Verses 1-7 speak of the duty of Christians to government, and we discussed the issue which has exercised Christians for years: “What do Christians do when the government is not the one they would have chosen?”
Let me make my answer plain from the start, and then follow with my Biblical base. The Christian is obligated to submit to the government, to pay taxes, to speak respectfully of those in government, and even to pray for them. The Christian is not obligated, however, to act unlawfully — even when government demands it.
For my first point — that the Christian is obligated to submit to the government, I refer to the very passage at the head of this piece. To those who might object that Paul didn’t know what today’s government’s are like, I can simply reply that the Roman Emperors of Paul’s day were far worse!
As to my second point — Christians have no choice about whether they pay taxes. Jesus Himself paid taxes. As well as the famous comment about rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, He paid temple tax — see the account in Matthew 17:24-27. There is no “wiggle room” here. Even when we don’t like what governments do with our money, paying taxes is not optional.
Well how about speaking respectfully of those in government? Surely it’s OK to express contempt for the inept, the immoral, the deceitful, if they happen to be in government. No. Never. Once again, Paul’s words in Romans 13 make the point. In his letter to Titus, he repeats the point, “to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men.” (Titus 3:2) Not only that, but every person is made in the image of God. Disrespect for government amounts to disrespect to God. Not only are we to respect those in government, but As Paul writes to another young disciple, we are to pray for them:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

So there it is, Biblically confirmed, The Christian is obligated to submit to the government, to pay taxes, to speak respectfully of those in government, and even to pray for them. But the Christian has no obligation to obey commands that are in opposition to Gods law. This is most clearly stated in Acts 5:29 when the apostles, commanded to stop preaching the gospel of Christ, robustly respond “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29). There were consequences. The apostles took their beating (Acts 5:40) and moved on. There is a lesson, or perhaps a warning, for Christians. We must obey God’s law, and expect man’s consequences. It is a timely warning when students are being abused for defending their beliefs, and businesses penalized for principals. Jesus said “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
There is, of course, a background to this longish piece. Paul writes, “the powers that be are ordained of God.”. That’s the point — love them or loathe them, governments are established by God as part of His long plan of redemption. We may not understand the place of today’s government in His plan — but He’s in charge!