All authority belongs to God. And when have been given delegated authority, it gives them the power to operate on he behalf of someone else. Because all authority belongs to God, He is the one that has instituted honor and respect for positions of authority in the earth. Honor like faith are not based on what you feel, but instead on the Word of God and obedience to Him. Who is the One with supreme authority and due all submission in every realm that He created.
Never look at honoring others in positions of authority as a casual behavior. It connects us to the most important aspect of our love for GOD, reverence, respect and awe of Him. Remember, honoring others as the scriptures teaches is ultimately honoring God Himself.