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The Salt of the Earth

Christ commanded us to be the salt of the earth (3 Nephi 12:13, Matthew 5:13). What is so special about salt? The Israelites had to use salt in their sacrifices to symbolize the Lord's preserving them just as salt preserves food (Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19). Christ fulfilled the law of Moses and did away with sacrifices, but He still used salt symbolically when He called us the salt of the earth.
  1. Salt is obtained by evaporation, the removal of moisture by sunlight. We become the salt of the earth by allowing Christ, the source of all light, to remove our sins.

  2. Salt is white, the color of purity. We too must be pure.

  3. Salt preserves food, drying out moisture that allows it to spoil. We can preserve souls by bringing them to Christ and showing them how to repent of all soul-spoiling sin.

  4. Salt draws out and intensifies the natural flavor of food. Likewise, we can draw out and intensify the natural goodness in others by being an example of good.

  5. Salt adds flavor to bland food. We can add purpose (flavor) to others' lives by sharing the gospel with them and helping them be happy.

Also, isn't it interesting that the Lord had the Saints settle in the Great Salt Lake area?

Discussion: How else can we be the salt of the earth?

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Comments

Mrs. Sanchez said…
That's really interesting Cheski. You brought up a lot of symbolism that I had never thought of in relation to this verse.

Always remember to take the verse in context though.

Matthew 5:13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

He continues with the same theme in Matthew 5:14-16
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

In the protestant church we talk about this a lot as a call to action. Not to let your light go out or your fire or passion or "flavor" die. Unfortunately we all know the temptation of being one of those Christians who sit back and do nothing or who blend in. But salt does not blend in. In fact, it says if "salt has lost it's flavor it is good for nothing."

This reminds me of the chilling passage Matthew 7:22-23

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity

Now, that is obviously a little different. But, I think losing your "flavor" is often a result of losing your close one-on-one connection with God. It is just a chilling thought.

Love you girl!! Thank you for being willing to stimulate conversation and make us all think on the subtleties of language in the Bible.
June 10, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Anonymous said…
imagine if you could change 5:13 and say if the salt has lost its Savior wherewith shall it be salted? if we ''lose'' our Savior by following the world we shall not be the light or the city on the hill - just a twist - not that i would change scriptures-DAD
June 12, 2010 at 2:32 AM
Anonymous said…
You can be the salt of the earth by being a good friend and making good friends. We can also follow the Savior's example.We can correct our friends from doing bad things.
Constance
July 9, 2010 at 2:48 PM
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