There is very much a sense in which we are the pawn pieces in a great celestial battle. We only have to choose sides, and determine this: For which power will my death, however many years it may take, be a point of victory?
If we say that we want no part of the game: that we want to be master of our own side of a chess board, well then isn't that exactly what Lucifer said? And then we have chosen a side. If one wishes to be in line with the purpose for which he was made, then he must make the choice to play for the Maker’s side. That means a surrender of the will to choose one’s own moves, as well.
Choose subservience to the Maker's side. You can't be black and white. There is no special piece which plays for both teams. The great white King did once sacrifice himself (under the special rules) so that you could be a pawn, but that is the whole deal. If you have an eye for the bishopric or knighthood, you are only going to go for the other teams line, which offers that whole - "be at the top, I'll give you the world", sort of spiel.
The white side recruits only pawns. Be little and you will be great, said that same white King. You may very well find yourself moving diagonally a small space, and hear a great deal of cheering. It’s not for you. Sure - you did technically take out the enemies rook, or something, but it was all a setup. If you get to make that move, be sure the Strategist has been planning 10 moves ahead for it to happen. It is just as likely that we sit for the majority of the game, make only moves that carry us a single step ahead, and never feel like we contributed all that much. We may even die prematurely - let ourselves be taken, if you will. That may be the move that sets up the Strategist for a nice little victory en route to the checkmate which has already been foretold.