Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.

For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist

are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has

opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will

receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a

cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have

no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from

the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do

what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing;

for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one

who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection,

not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For

because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God,

devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due

them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to

whom fear; honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:1-7 NASB