Okay, so several years ago I worked at W. I had a friend that was promoted above me. I resented him at first, but then I remembered that as Christians we are to respect authority, “whether to the king, as supreme authority, or governor,” (1) etc. So I obeyed him as best I could, willfully, almost joyfully. I think it really impressed him. It turns out he is a Christian, so that means that I should doubly support him, if that’s even possible.
I see a lot of people with disrespect for authority. I don’t expect nonbelievers to respect authority. They may respect punishment, or they may not. We as Christians have to do better. The only reason not to is when they command us to do something that would cause us to disobey or dishonor God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit.
There’s not really a lot else to say about this topic. If you are persecuted by those in authority, this command becomes very difficult. You can respect authority even when you are suffering. You don’t have to disobey God or serve the State first. I can’t really speak to this situation. I had a boss once that found out I was Christian. He hated me after that. Then, shortly after I changed jobs, he disappeared. I never knew what happened to him.
I just tried to respect him and did my best not to irritate him. The situation caused me some anxiety, but ultimately, God was in control. Isn’t that what Jesus said to Pontius Pilate? during Jesus’ interrogation “You would have no power if it were not given to you from above,” 2.
Fear God, honor your leader, respect authority, and you will be blessed because of it.
1) 1 Peter 2:14
2) John 19:11