self-effacement or self-denial

"The self is only the shadow which sin and error cast by stopping the light of God, and I take this shadow for a being.
Even if we could be like God it would be better to be mud which obeys God."

It seems pretty obvious that Weil has a very somber view on humanity and our relationship to God. I question how she would respond to God's "intention." Who is Man before and after the fall. I wonder if there is a term called extreme total depravity, or hyper-depravity. God did instill in us certain capabilities to think, learn, grow, create, experience. Our senses are proof of that. If God wanted us completely out of the picture so that he might do his will, why give us the ability to touch, to smell and sing. These abilities are ultimately to glorify him. He certainly doesn't need us to complete his will, but he takes pleasure in his creation and self-effacement seems contrary to the dispensation of Grace. Whether Grace was part of God's "intention" or original plan, you can argue if you want to, but the reality is that living under Grace is our current condition (or position) before God. The Gospel is about God's Grace. To ignore this is to misunderstand not only God, but Man and therefore, the Self.

Yes, we must die to ourselves daily. We must battle our flesh, temptation, lies, adultery, deceit, hatred and evil. This doesn't make us less human, but more human. We are not in God's way, and by no means are we preventing him from working out his plan. We are his plan. The story of creation is a story of Love- not between God and the Earth, but between God and Man. Weil takes on an extreme sensitivity to our fallen nature and too easily dismisses God's authority as well as His love for us. (which only makes sense when you take Christ out of the picture).