We live in an era dominated by influencers, where everyone seeks to brand their identity and promote that persona to the masses in the hopes of garnering followers who hang on their every word and action. The essential question is: what is the brand you are selling? What is the identity you carry, and what persona are you projecting? In a sense, we are all influencers. You are either living your life looking for opportunities to exploit your own “brand” for personal glory and gain, or you are living for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Paul begins this chapter by urging believers to lay down their lives as a reasonable act of worship. He then offers practical insights on what that looks like. He states, “Do not think highly of yourself,” which is similar to what he wrote to the Church in Philippi in Philippians 2:1-4, where he encourages them to be of one mind, one love, one spirit, and to consider others as greater than themselves. This concept is completely countercultural. The idea that I should not think highly of myself or hold myself in high esteem contrasts sharply with the messages we receive from the world. We are encouraged to have high self-esteem based on societal branding and taught from an early age to value our self-worth. Even science suggests it is “survival of the fittest.” We are told to think highly of ourselves because we can achieve our goals, as “you are the master of your own fate and captain of your own ship.” In other words, hustle and earn what you believe you deserve; the ends will justify the means (Galatians 5:19-21).

In Christ, however, we are called to embrace selflessness and sacrifice, to consider others as greater than ourselves—not to promote self, but rather to promote others, find our worth in Christ, and be esteemed through Christ (Romans 5:8). We are encouraged to build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). While the world teaches that individual promotion, God calls us to promote one one another, the body of Christ, which is made up of many members (1 Corinthians 12:12-17). This implies that each person should value others more than their own position, recognizing that without each other, our individual roles are diminished in significance.

This is the calling for those who live lives of worship before God—a life that loves God and others, one that is selfless and sacrificial, often at our own expense. This attitude needs to be cultivated within the Christian life. Paul’s exhortation to live as a living sacrifice is a daily task. John Owen famously said, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.” We need to kill the “hustler” mentality within us; we are not called to hustle as Christians, but rather to rest in the sovereign work of God within all individuals in the body, as He influences us to promote righteousness and truth, ultimately bringing glory to God.

Father God, guide me to lay down my old life and embrace the new life you have given me. Help me to have a sober mind rather than one that fantasizes about personal glory. Lord, let me live a life where you are high and lifted up.