Romans 13:1–7: Christians and Governing Authority
Romans 13:1–7 treats civil authority as something God appoints and rulers as servants for good and avengers against evil, so the Christian's ordinary posture is submissive and conscientious, down to taxes and honor. It is not a blank check for every command a state ever issues.
Can patriotism become idolatry? A Biblical Guide
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served Babylon faithfully yet refused one command that would have replaced God with the state. Their stand shows where patriotism stops being loyalty and becomes idolatry.