Government officials have the right to exercise authority within the state, parents within the family, teachers within the school system, and Christian elders within the congregation. Of course, the authority is only relative.

In recognition of the state’s relative authority, however, Christians could not participate in liberation movements to overthrow such authority. They could not condone civil disobedience simply because they disagree with governmental policy, neither could they encourage the withholding of taxes as a way of protesting against certain policies. “He who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God,” said the apostle Paul, adding: “Those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves.”​—Romans 13:1-4.

But what if a government official is unjust and misuses his authority? What if he discriminates against individuals or unpopular minorities? The Bible’s counsel is: “If you see any oppression of the one of little means and the violent taking away of judgment and of righteousness in a jurisdictional district, do not be amazed over the affair, for one that is higher than the high one is watching.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8) It may be possible to appeal to a higher governmental authority or court. But even if justice is not obtained by that means, God’s servants can be confident that, “as regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.”​—2 Chronicles 16:9.