Self-Conscious
 

by Morris D. Norman

To be "self-conscious," philosophically, is "having consciousness of one's self, one's actions, one's sensations..." (World Book Diet.). This article will deal with two areas that are worthy of consideration.

One concept is being conscious of one's self in the presence of others. This can have a bad effect to the extent of shyness to cause one to withdraw socially which could prevent one from being the source of strength and edification to others that the Bible demands. It could cause one to fail in the using of one's talents to further the cause of the Lord. Because of shyness some claim they cannot teach, lead prayer or singing or many other things publicly necessary for the functioning of a local church. If this is our problem, we need to work on it so that we can be used to the glory of God.

Self-consciousness in the presence of others can be good if it demands in us a sense of pride in appearance and action. Some have such an absence of self-consciousness that they do not care how they look, with no sense of shame in appearance. They dress immodestly, lasciviously, slovenly, vulgarly and beggarly. Some misbehave   themselves   with ungodly, vulgar, blasphemous language. They are crude in dealing with others, impolite and ill-mannered. We need to be conscious of self so that we do not become a blight on society nor salt that has lost its savor.

The Christian needs to be self-conscious as to God's will for him. David stole Uriah's wife but it was not until Nathan said, "Thou art the man" that David was conscious of the full extent of his sin (2 Sam 12:7). Paul had to withstand Peter to his face to make him conscious of the ill effect on the truth of the gospel when he withdrew from the Gentiles (Gal 2:11). We need to be so self-conscious that when the gospel is preached, we keenly examine ourselves (not the other man), to determine if we are to be blamed. How many hear truth and then apply it to someone else when "Thou art the man?" — The number is too great who try to remove the mote from their brother's eye when they have a beam in their own (Mt 7:3-4).

It is difficult to be objective about ourselves, to see ourselves as we really are. We often condemn in the other man what we are guilty of in principle. The gospel is designed to make us self-conscious so we can make self as God wills.  

 

 

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