One of the problems, though, is that sometimes the slate of names seems to be lacking. In some cases, there is only one candidate, in which case there is no election but only an acclamation. In other instances, though, there may be several candidates, but none who give evidence of being truly qualified for the office. In such circumstances, the voters are often forced to choose the least offensive or the least problematic candidate.

The real problem, though, is that individuals most qualified or suited for the office may not be on the ballot. They may not have offered to serve, or they may have been overlooked in the nomination process.

The biblical account of the choosing of a new king as a successor to Saul provides us with an insight worth our attention and consideration.

1 Samuel 16: 10-12 - Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The Lord has not chosen these." So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

Samuel was commissioned by the Lord to anoint a new king. He was advised to go to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem. Jesse and his family had assembled together, and Samuel was expected to choose the new king from among the sons of Jesse. Yet as each of the first seven sons was reviewed by Samuel, Samuel had no indication from the Lord that the one of the Lord's choosing was present. What was he to do? Might he have chosen "the best of the bunch"? No, Samuel instead asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" Then, when Jesse replied that there was still one more, the youngest, Samuel insisted that he be presented, too, for consideration.

When the youngest son, David, was added to the roster of potential choices, it was immediately evident to Samuel that now the ballot was complete. Clearly the Lord's anointed was David, and Samuel completed his election by anointing him as the one chosen to the new king.

In reflecting on this narrative, we would do well to ask ourselves two questions. First, when we are called to make a choice, are all the options before us for consideration? Sometimes we settle for second best or worse because the best option has not even made it to the ballot or the table for consideration. Secondly, have each of us done all that we can to ensure that the ballot is complete? Which of us may be missing from the ballot -- either because others have overlooked us, or because we have discounted ourselves as being unfit or unworthy of the Lord's service?

There are many choices to be made in the work of the church of Jesus Christ and in the building of God's kingdom. The election is not for a king, but for each part to fit in its appointed place to ensure that the whole church is complete.

Who is the best and most qualified person for this task, or that one? Let us remember that the church -- the body of Christ -- does not become mature and whole, unless each part is fitted and joined together and does its work.

Are you missing? Or are you present, and ready for the Lord to use?

Your pastor, looking for a ballot that is complete,
James T. Hurd