When Earthly Authority is unclear

Christ demands that we submit to the rightful authorities of this world. They are put in their place by God to fulfill his purpose willingly or unwillingly. Paul and Peter emphasize this command. We are to submit ourselves to God, the rightful government, our parents, our employers, wives are to submit to their husbands, the congregation is to submit to the elders. Of course we are not to submit to sin under any person's authority.

This raises a dilemma for Christians. How do we know who the rightful authority is?

In regards to government this is an easy question in North America or Europe. In Africa where civil wars can shred any sense of legitimacy this can be difficult.

However the problem isn't only with governments.

How should a child react if his mother commands him to not chop wood and his father commands him to chop wood?

How should an employee react if he has multiple bosses and one orders him to do things that the other orders him not to do?

In the case of the child some may argue the child should obey his father as his father has the highest human authority in the family.

The problem with the dueling bosses is a bit more difficult. The Bible does not tell us how to handle situations where equal authorities command contradictory things. It also doesn't give guidance for situations where there are different governments claiming legitimacy.

I wonder how other Christians solve these problems in submitting when earthly authority is unclear.