Romans 13 teaches us to "be in subjection to the governing authorities."  The system of government that we have enjoyed in America was designed to make that as easy as possible by limiting the authority of the government, leaving the people free to govern themselves.  But our nation is quickly abandoning this system in favor of expanded government authority.  Many in our judiciary violate their oaths to uphold the Constitution and instead use their positions to act as activists, usurping the authority of the states, citizens, and congress.  Our last president displayed utter contempt for America each and every time he spoke.  His administration actively promoted evil and persecuted doers of good, and he was re-elected.  During the last presidential election cycle we saw an open socialist nearly win the nomination of one America's major political parties.  So how can Christians submit to these authorities?  What does the Lord want us to do in times like these?

We need to first recognize that "there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God" (Romans 13:1 b).  If we are to believe that verse (and we are to believe it), then we accept that even someone like former President Obama, who was undeniably a curse and a blight on our country, was appointed by the Lord for a purpose.  I personally believe that he was appointed as a judgement against us for our persistent rebellion against God, as outlined in Romans 1.  The Lord also appointed Nebuchadnezzar for a similar purpose, to come and bring God's judgement against Judah for having rejected the Lord.  God used him, and humbled him to remind him that He alone was the Lord and that He had exalted him for His purposes.  And God provided us with the examples of Daniel, Meshach, Shadrach, and Abed-Nego, to show us how His people should submit to authority, even when that authority does not submit to the Lord.  These men honored the Word of God, often at great peril to their own lives, despite what the government dictated.  However, they never lashed out, and they always worked for the good of the king (Daniel 4:19, 27) and for the prosperity of the place where they were (Jeremiah 29:7).  

We are taught in Romans 13 that those who do what is right do not have to fear the authorities over them.  We are also taught in 1 Peter 3:13-16 that if we will live righteous lives that, even in  a hostile environment wherein we are slandered and persecuted, if we will "keep a good conscience...those who revile [our] good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."  Now we don't desire their shame, but rather their salvation.  So our being vindicated leads to our good works in Christ being shown for what they are, and when those good works are seen, God is acknowledged and glorified (Matthew 5:16).  Romans 13 was written for all time, not just for the George Washington presidency, but also for the times when it is difficult to carry out.  After all, it was written during a time when the Jewish people lived under the rule of the Roman empire.