The Sovereignty of God in Election

What are we do with the number of scriptures in the NT that identify an elect of God?  For example, what about 1 Thessalonians 1:4: 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. What is Paul talking about? Can you believe in the election of God unto salvation and not be a 'Calvinist?'  I used a a cart full of groceries to help explain this important doctrine.