A VISITOR attending a Wednesday evening meeting in a Christian Science church for the first time was impressed by the dignity, the poise, the alertness of the ushers. Previously he had mistakenly associated dignity with stiffness, unapproachableness, and lack of joy; but in observing the calm, orderly actions of the ushers as they graciously and courteously greeted the people, he saw dignity in an entirely new light. He saw that dignity is poise and poise dignity — spontaneous, calm, alert, gracious, and joyful — a most desirable condition. Later, when testimonies were given, he was likewise impressed by the poise and ease of those testifying. While the experiences of healing that were related were impressive and outstanding, especially to one not aware that such healings were possible, yet the calm, joyful, serene confidence with which the speakers told of what Christian Science had done for them was a revelation in itself and gave rise to wonderment.
In the years that have followed— years of earnest striving to live in obedience to the teachings of Christian Science — dignified poise and serene confidence in God have been seen as the normal condition of thought of those who are living in the consciousness of God's presence, power, and goodness. Christian Scientists learn to walk with God, to talk with God, to live in God — to be Godlike through spiritual reflection. Early in their study, they learn that their Redeemer liveth, for Christ, Truth, redeems them from sickness, from sordid lives of sin, from hopeless poverty and lack — from the falsities of material sense; and Christ is the living, moving, actuating power of God operating in human thought, shaping and forming thoughts aright and banishing the ignorance of fear, sickness, and sin.
"Poise" is defined in part as "well balanced." To be well balanced is to be self-possessed, conscious of dominion over the condition to be destroyed. Poise is unlabored, orderly, dignified, calm, and peaceful. Poise denotes the ability to meet conditions and experiences sanely, wisely, and effectively, while at the same time calmly recognizing the necessities involved. Even though Christ Jesus was forced to overcome many very difficult and trying presentations, his life furnishes an example of perfect dignity, poise. We are told that on one occasion "there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem;" yet Jesus continued his ministry, fully aware of the Father's loving care and power, available and ample for any expediency, and was victorious over evil.
