A True Difference—Day 6 of a Town Girl Touched by the Farming Life

            Election Day.  For whom did you vote?  Why?  Are you looking for one candidate or one party to solve your problems?  To give you what you want?  No matter who wins, the results will touch every family on farms or in towns.  Maybe it was appropriate that part of my Bible reading today included the following:

            Psalm 135:15-21—The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of man.  They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see; they have ears, but cannot hear; nor is there breath in their mouths.  Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

            O house of Israel, praise the Lord; O house of Aaron, praise the Lord; O house of Levi, praise the Lord; you who fear him, praise the Lord.  Praise be to the Lord from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem.  Praise the Lord.

            Unfortunately, today's American public has traded in most of their idols made of silver and gold (not abandoning idols completely) for another type of idol.  What kind of idol?  Consider our government.  What is the connection?  Hmmm.

            First, governments are made by the hands of man.  Although bureaucracy exudes power and control, it cannot truly speak or hear.  It appears to be a breathing, living entity, but that is only an illusion.  Just ask anyone who has tried to "fight city hall" or the "red tape" of government.  Not one lone person exists that can be petitioned to correct or solve all the problems, not even the president. 

            Second, many people are checking their televisions, radio, or computer screens for election results.  They are looking to the government—regardless which candidate they want to win—to be their "savior" in this unpredictable world when in actuality they should be looking to the true Savior.

            I am not saying I am above this flaw.  I have to constantly remind myself that no politician or legal entity can solve all my problems or give me the direction I need in my life.  The only who can do that is the Lord, the same Lord that is worthy of praise from Israel and everyone else. 

            So what does this have to do with the farming life?  About everything.  The ability to own land, to produce crops, or even to raise a family in a rural setting is not a guarantee.  We have been blessed to be in a country that allows these choices, but God never promised anyone would get to keep these choices and lifestyles.  At the same time, no matter what a politician promises, he cannot insure any way of living unless God allows him to do so. 

            Does that mean voting is a waste of time?  I do not think so.  I even took most of my kids with me when I voted and let them watch how it is done.  God has called us to be good stewards of what He has given us.  I think that includes our style of government directed by the people.  Yet, the moment I forget that, apart from God, my country cannot do any good then I begin turning this land into an idol.  Thus, whom should I try to please?  Politicians?  My vocal and politically oriented friends?  God himself?  I think you know the answer to this one.  When I live as if I really believed the answer, then I can make a true difference and not only touch my family but other families as well.