Self-consciousness has generally been considered an undesirable trait. But this depends upon what self we're thinking about. The ego mortals think they have is false, limited, fearful. But the divine Ego is the I AM that governs the universe and man perfectly. The point that concerns each one of us in a very practical way is, "How do I identify myself: with the mortal, material ego or with the spiritual and divine?"
Various writers in the Bible refer to man as a product of dust, a worm, "of few days, and full of trouble."Job 14:1. And then in other citations man is recognized as related to the angels, the beloved son of God. At one point, after considering the marvelous heavens, the Psalmist exclaims in awe, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" Ps. 8:4. And again he writes, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." 139:14. Certainly the latter is a recognition of true self-consciousness, man in the likeness of God.
The great message brought by Christ Jesus is the fact that man is the child of God, the offspring of divine Love. He isn't a product of flesh or of material sense, but a manifestation of the divine will and purpose. Jesus identified man as spiritual and perfect, the very expression of the divine Mind. This was the basis of his healing work. He said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48.
