The Reformed Life

“I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.”

— William Ernest Henley, Invictus 

These words are often quoted as a rallying cry for self-determination. They sound strong. Empowering. Independent. But are they true?

If you’re a Christian, you probably (and prayerfully) don’t believe that. You know you’re not the master of your life. You’re not the one in the driver’s seat. But let me ask: Does your life reflect that reality?

The world is constantly discipling us to believe that we are the point of everything. It tells us things like:

• “The only thing that’s important is that I feel good about myself.”
• “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.”
• “You do you.”
• “Follow your heart.”
• “Be true to yourself; live your truth.”
• These slogans are so common that we hardly notice them—but they’re shaping us.

And if we’re not careful, we’ll begin to believe them. But what if there’s something better? What if true joy and freedom aren’t found in following our hearts but in surrendering them?

What if life is not about self-expression but about glorifying God in everything? In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul writes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

As I read that verse recently, I had to stop and ask myself: Do I really live like that? Do I recognize that everywhere I go and everything I do is to be used for the glory of God?Have I grown so accustomed to celebrating my identity as a child of God—a redeemed sinner—that I’ve forgotten I’m also called to be a servant?

That’s not a begrudging task. It’s not a degrading title. It’s a joyful calling. So, what does it really mean to glorify God in all things? How can I cultivate a heart that doesn’t live for self, but for the Savior?

That’s what we’ll explore in the rest of this post. 

The Call 

In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul gives a clear and sweeping command: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

It’s a phrase we hear often in church services, Bible studies, and Christian books. But have we stopped to consider what it actually means?

Paul is urging the Corinthians—and us—not just to honor God in big spiritual moments, but in the everyday stuff of life. Whether you’re sharing a meal or making a decision, you’re called to do it in a way that pleases God, highlights His worth, and reflects His character. We are to promote the excellency of God.

This isn’t just for first-century Christians. It’s a timeless command for every follower of Jesus.

So let me ask: Do you live like this? Do you wake up with the aim of glorifying God in all that you do? We must remember—we are not our own. We’ve been bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). Life is not about us. It’s about Him.

He is God. We are not.

To glorify God means to make much of Him in everything—to show, with our thoughts, decisions, and actions, that He is supremely valuable.

The Problem 

There’s one problem, though.

It’s easy to say we want to live for God’s glory—but just as easy to live as if the day belongs to us.

We move through our schedules, sit in meetings, respond to emails, and cross tasks off our to-do lists… all without pausing to ask, “How can I glorify God in this moment?”

And that’s just the “work” side of life. How often do we think that glorifying God applies to:

• How we drive in traffic?
• How we speak to our spouse or kids when we’re tired?
• How we spend our free time?
• How we react when plans change or interruptions come?

The problem isn’t that we don’t know we’re to live for God’s glory. The problem is that we often forget—or we’ve functionally replaced His glory with our own comfort, convenience, or control.

I know I do.

Why is it so easy for us to forget to live for God’s glory?

Because everything around us—from social media to marketing to even well-meaning advice—tells us to live for ourselves. We’re told to chase comfort, success, and affirmation. And if we’re not intentional, those messages become the default setting of our hearts.

We forget because our hearts are prone to wander. We get busy, distracted, self-focused. We begin to live like spiritual orphans instead of joyful servants.

It’s not always rebellious—it’s often subtle.
But that’s what makes it dangerous.

That’s why this verse (1 Cor. 10:31) isn’t just a call—it’s a course correction. The glory of God is not a Sunday-only pursuit. It’s the lens through which every moment of our lives is meant to be viewed. 

The Joyful Identity of a Servant 

Here’s the beautiful twist in the gospel: to belong to Christ is not a burden—it’s a joy.

Yes, we are children of God. Yes, we are redeemed and deeply loved. But we are also called to be servants—even slaves (doulos) of Christ. And that’s not a degrading label—it’s a liberating identity.

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19–20) To be a servant of Jesus means you are free from the tyranny of self.

No longer do you have to prove yourself, promote yourself, or preserve your own glory.

You live for His.

That’s freeing.

That’s purposeful.

That’s joyful.

John Stott once said, “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.” Similarly, Tim Keller says, “The most miserable people are those who spend their lives focused on themselves.” We were made to serve. We were made to worship. And we are most alive when we stop grasping for control and instead live as those gladly owned by the King.

Practicing Daily Surrender 

So how do we cultivate this identity each day? Not by accident. And not by guilt. But by grace-formed habits of surrender.

Here are a few practical ways to live this out daily:

1. Start your day in prayerful humility.

Before reaching for your phone or diving into your schedule, pause and remind yourself: “This is not my day. It’s Yours, Lord.”

2. Ask kingdom questions throughout the day.

• “How can I glorify God in this meeting?”
• “What response would reflect Christ’s character right now?”
• “Is this task being done for His name or mine?”

3. Embrace interruptions as divine appointments.

Servants don’t dictate the plan—they respond to the Master. Ask: “What if this moment isn’t a distraction, but a chance to serve?”

4. Let repentance be part of your rhythm.

When you forget, drift, or act selfishly (and you will), turn quickly back. That act of repentance is itself glorifying to God—it shows that His mercy is your hope. 

A Servant’s Prayer to Begin the Day 

Lord, today is not about me.

I am not the center. I am not the master.

You are.

I belong to You—body, mind, and spirit.

Help me to live as a joyful servant.

Remind me that I’ve been bought with a price.

Use my time, my words, my decisions, and my relationships to reflect Your worth.

Let Your glory—not my comfort—be the aim.

Let Your will—not my desires—set the direction.

Let Your name—not mine—be lifted high.

For from You and through You and to You are all things.

To You be the glory forever. Amen. 

Conclusion: Not My Day—And That’s Good News

This isn’t my day. It’s not my platform, my ministry, my schedule, or my story.

It’s His. And that’s not discouraging—it’s liberating. To live for God’s glory is not a heavy weight; it’s a freeing identity. It’s what you were made for.

So today, whether you eat or drink, serve or speak, rest or work—do it all to make much of Him.

For Reflection: 

• In what areas of life do you most often forget that you were made to glorify God?
• What daily habits or patterns are shaping you more than Scripture right now?
• How does viewing yourself as a servant rather than the center of the universe bring freedom?
• What needs to change about the way you start your day?
• How can you respond to interruptions and inconveniences as a servant of Christ?
• What one truth from this post do you want to carry into your week?

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

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