There is a general principle to this verse of Scripture that is certainly true. Namely, everything we do in life can be done and should be done to the glory of God. All activities, no matter how seemingly insignificant like eating or drinking, should be pursued, enjoyed, engaged with thankfulness to the Lord. It’s the idea of honoring and worshipping the Giver and not the gift. It’s the biblical notion of presenting our entire lives as worship.

However, there is also the specific context surrounding this verse as well. This verse appears as Paul is discussing such issues as liberty, conscience, and the willingness to deny what is ok for us in order not to offend a brother or place an undue obstacle before an unbeliever.

The section opens in v23 with “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. In other words, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Enjoy your liberty in Christ, Yes! But not at the expense of harming a fellow believer’s conscience or of placing an obstacle in front of an unbeliever. The section ends in v33 with “…just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” Seeing the context around the verse brings much clarity. Doing all we do to the glory of God entails watching our actions so that we are building up believers and convincing unbelievers.