Article October 6, 1951 Issue

SERENITY

ELSIE WAGONER HEALEY

Today , in a world which to mortal sense seems torn with confusion, doubt, hatred, and fear, there is tremendous need for the cultivation of a state of serenity. According to a dictionary this beautiful word means "quality or state of being serene; composure; repose." The word serene is defined in part as "bright, clear, and calm; shining with unobscured. steady light." Such a mental state should be one which the Christian Scientist is striving to achieve. He will also recognize that as he reflects these mental qualities, he is really reflecting the Mind which is God, for they are characteristics of Mind. He will see that his thinking will indeed be shining with a clear, steady light, the light of Truth.

If one obeys faithfully the two following requisites as given by Mary Baker Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." he will find himself daily growing more and more into that calm, poised state of serenity. They are these: "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings" (Pref., p. vii), and (p. 410), "Christian scientific practice begins with Christ's keynote of harmony, 'Be not afraid!'" It is obvious that if one is truly "leaning on the sustaining infinite" and obeying Christ Jesus' command, "Be not afraid," he cannot be at the same time disturbed, fearful, or filled with hatred, doubt, or other mortal thoughts. He finds that one cannot declare one thing and do another, and at the same time be a Christian Scientist worthy of the name.

When one remembers that God's first command was (Gen. 1:3), "Let there be light," and then thinks about the beautiful light of Truth which has been revealed to the world through the teachings of our Master, Christ Jesus, and the writings of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, one can see that it is not too difficult to maintain the state described above.

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