Be subject to every human institution for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the approval of those who do good.  For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish people.  Be free, yet without using freedom as a pretext for evil, but as slaves of God.  Give honor to all, love the community, fear God, honor the king.

I Peter 2:13-17