Romans 13:5 “Therefore you must be subject [to authority], not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.” 

Paul in his writing to the Romans revealed by the Spirit of God that all authority is from God, and that the responsibility of authority figures in your life is to execute wrath on wrong doing. In essence when you are punished by an authority for wrong doing, this is simply in line with what the God ordained for authority is. However as a believer the standard is raised higher. You are not expected to be in subjection to authority for the fear of being punished, but you should subject yourself under authority for the sake of your conscience. Your conscience is the voice of the spirit.

When you are born again, your spirit is born of God, so your conscience speaks up in line with the laws of God. Your obedience to authority should be based on your heart’s desire to be in line with God’s divine law. This means that when you disagree with authority figures, you don’t speak against them, but rather your do what the Scripture commands: that you first pray for them (1 Tim.2:1-2), and that you should be in submission (Rom.13:1). Anything other than this would be to violate your conscience.

There is a blessing that comes with obedience to God’s word. Position yourself under authority in line with the authority of God’s word, and you will be secured under the same. Don’t kick against authority, as this will short circuit your ability to enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings in life.

Scriptures to Meditate: 1 Tim.2:1-2, Rom.13:1, Acts 23:5, Eccl.10:20, 1 Pet.2:13-15