I’m More Than A Ballot

Who are you?

The answers to this question range in variety as all of us process it in unique ways. When we think about ourselves, and the identity that we have, many things help us define it.

Our family, work, skill, hobbies, city, desire for social change, politics, ethnicity, style, finances, faith and more.

All of these things and more are major parts of who we are and they determine so much of what we do, where we go and how we interact with others. It even determines our friend group and who we choose to connect with. When we think of who we are, we connect ourselves with people who are similar to us and who share the same values. This in itself is not bad because it’s good to be supported and strengthened with like minded people. God made us this way and this is a reason why He wants us to do life together through a local church.

So, how would you answer the question, who are you?

What would drive your answer and what would be the things that define who you are? As you read this today, I pray you think about and process who you are, at the core of your identity. This is because right now there are so many things seeking to define us.

More specifically, the election would love to define who we are based on the ballot we choose to cast in early November. This of course is the political machine that loves to make us emotional verses rational, which causes us to define each other by temporary policies and candidates.

Not all of this is bad because, we get to vote and be a part of this process. We also have a system that allows us to choose freely and have our own views. This is big considering, a lot of the world does not have these basic rights. I encourage you to vote, and let your convictions lead you in casting your ballot.

However, in this crazy time we must remember, I’m more than a ballot!

Please remember this, we are more than a ballot. Our identity is beyond a political party or our nationality. It’s beyond what we see in the mirror and what others perceive us to be.

Our identity is in Jesus!

This is who we are and this is what defines us for eternity. The core of who we are, is who Jesus says we are. He is our King and we will be with Him forever.

Our nationality, ethnicity, and political party are huge parts of our lives, and God is involved with them but they should not define in totality who we are. That should be discovered through Jesus.

Here’s two examples of what Jesus says about us.

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 3:20

Notice, We have a nationality that is of another world and that is the Kingdom of God. We are citizens of heaven. This is because of Jesus and and this is our destination. We are sojourners on this earth, looking for a city, whose builder and maker is God.

This doesn’t mean that I’m against my country but rather it means I’m focused on where I’m going forever. I’m looking to my identity from a higher perspective, through God!

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

This verse is amazing! First, we are His workmanship which literally means, a piece of art. God says, we are a piece of art that He has made to reflect who He is in our lifetime. Think about that! This is one reason why the enemy tries to shame our bodies, our self-image and more. He loves to cast doubt on how we look, so that he robs our confidence in God and puts it in other things. But I refuse! We are the artwork of God and I will live through Him. Second, we’re made to do good through Jesus. We’re His light and we can shine for God in this dark world. We’re made for more. We’re here for more. We’re empowered for more. We’re called to more. We’re more than a ballot.

We’re the people of God!

What a privilege to be in His family because it cost so much to save you and me. The price was the life of Jesus and He took all of our junk so that we could be filled with His love and grace.

In this moment of tension, division, debating and splintering apart, we must remember who we are. We must remember, we are more than a ballot.

I’m somebody in God’s Kingdom and He has me here more than I see or know. I am definitely more than a game piece in a political machine. I’m a child of God.

Like the song from Hillsong says,

“I am Who He says I am. I’m chosen, not forsaken, I am who He says I am.”

I encourage you today, please do not let the climate we are in bring you down in your identity. Participate in this election and enjoy the privilege of voting. But always remember, you are more than a ballot. Our purpose is from God and the core of who we are is from Him. When I embrace this identity, I can overcome the enemy against me. I can understand who I am called to be and that means I can get through the rejection, disappointment and opinions of others because of who God is in me.

I pray that today, we believe who we are and we live like we know it. God loves you, God made you and God has a purpose for you.

Have a great week and the best is yet to come!

PD