In Ecclesiastes, chapter eight, verse two, “I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God.” The king here represents human government as instituted by God. It is the Government officials who follow God’s principles of living and encourage righteous living. Our Lord wants us to obey the just laws of government.
Since it is significant for the ongoing witness and furtherance of the gospel, believers must be obedient to civil and governmental authorities, obey civil law, be good citizens, and act respectfully as neighbors. The only exception occurs when the government law conflicts with our commitment to the Lord Jesus and the clear teaching of His Word, as in Acts five, verse twenty-nine.
First Peter two, verses thirteen through eighteen, declares, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”
Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Servants be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward,” which is the crooked.
All people must submit to the laws governing the country they live in. Otherwise, there are consequences for our unlawful actions. Especially, believers, the children of God, must be examples to others and be servants of God. To reach people to serve God, we have to live well before God and others.