Self-Preservation, it has often been said, is the first law of nature. But what is man's real selfhood? How is it preserved?
In the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, on page 591, defines man as "the compound idea of infinite Spirit; the spiritual image and likeness of God; the full representation of Mind."
Christian Science teaches that man, being the spiritual image of God, is preserved whole and sound by his creator and is not subject to lack, limitation, ill-health, or inharmony of any sort. Man's real selfhood is expressed through such spiritual qualities as love, intelligence, substance, and perfection. These facts are proved in daily living as the individual holds "fast that which is good" (I Thess. 5:21).
