Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is Godā??s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Godā??s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscienceā?? sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are Godā??s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. (Romans 13:1-7)
God in His providence has put magistrates in place as a means of restraining sin and evil in the world, though they are often corrupt and sinful. Nevertheless, Christians must to strive to obey God first and foremost, and to obey the government when doing so does not contradict God's commands.