4 days ago5 min read

Are Ye the Salt of the Earth?

Written by April T Giauque

Elder José A Teixeira Gerenal Conference Talk Oct 2024

I remember Elder Teixeria speaking in General Conference but it was clear back in 2020. As my hand raced across the keyboard to take notes for my deaf daughters and friends, he jumped into the talk without an opening story or joke. In fact, the title and summary he stated in the first two seconds:

“As we remain bonded to the Lord, our lives will naturally reflect His light, and we will become the salt of the earth.”

My brain went into power mode: Light equals Christ, and Salt would equal us, but only if we are bonded to him. My mind then jumped like a Google file pulling the phrase “salt of the earth” from reading the scriptures. I understand it, but I have never deeply explored its meaning or power until Elder José A Teixeira spoke of it. He jumped right in and helped me understand the Savior's words of light and salt more meaningfully.

Salt Story

Elder Teixeira shared a story about harvesting salt from his homeland of Portugal. The salt workers are called "marnotos." The first thing they do is channel seawater into shallow ponds called “salt pans.” With the intense heat of the sun, the water evaporates. Next, the flower of salt forms delicate crystals on the surface of the salt pans. At this stage, the marnotos carefully skim the crystals from the water’s surface using specialized tools that require great skill and precision. They preserve the salt crystal that is desired in culinary arts. The marnotos put forth great effort to ensure they harvest the highest quality of salt.

Learning about the time and effort involved in collecting salt really helped me understand its value. The labor intensity of having salt anciently brings a perspective of labor or love of service. This would be something that the people Christ taught would be very familiar with.

I mean, think about it. In the ancient world, salt was more than just a seasoning—it was a vital preservative. Christ, in His brilliant way of teaching, created a symbol of purity and covenants. If we want to be as valuable as salt we need to bond to Christ. Looking at that truth, my mind jumped to the opposition. If we no longer have flavor or lose our saltiness, we would be thrown out as “dross underfoot.” No wonder the Lord uses everyday experiences to teach his disciples His Gospel and feel His light.

Why did the Savior Teach about Salt?

Elder José A Teixeira explained that “The Savior taught that when we are “called unto [His] everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, [we] are accounted as the salt of the earth.” The key word there for me is covenant. I have made these with the Lord, so when I hear that, I turn in. I want to ensure I am becoming the salt the Savior wants me to be.

The following explanation from Elder Teixeira is how salt is made of two elements bonded together. The word bond stuck out to me. I can't do it alone if I want to become like the Lord and follow his two greatest commandments. I need to be connected or truly bonded with the Lord. My soul asked myself, “How do I do that—am I doing that?’

My thought was interrupted as he continued. Remember that

Salt preserves food and flavors everything.
The Lord knew the people he taught understood the importance of salt in their lives.
Remember it needs two elements to become salt. We need to be part of those two elements.
Jesus asked the people to Love the Lord and to Love one another. It’s the same today.

Of course! There is the answer. These answers are things I’ve heard before. They are in the scriptures, in talks, and taught at Church. Why do we need to go over and over them? Because we drift to our own understanding, turn away from the light of Christ, and we search of truth in others as opposed to searching for it in God. Noted: this is a gentle but effective course correction.

How can we do this today?

Elder Teixeria asked, “How can we channel our energy and efforts to make a difference and be the change the world needs today? How can we preserve discipleship and continue to be a positive influence?” Then he answered it beautifully. “Consistent efforts in small and meaningful acts can deepen our discipleship and commitment to Jesus Christ.” My heart then asked, Well, what does that look like or mean in my life?

SERVICE!

SERVICE!
Members all over the world serve others in their quiet and humble ways.
The youth serve in the Temple and help to find their ancestors.
The Youth go and serve missions.
Serve the Lord, and you will be bonded to him.

“God wants us to work together and help each other. That is why He sends us to earth in families and organizes us into wards and stakes. That is why He asks us to serve and minister to each other. That is why He asks us to live in the world but not be of the world.” —President Nelson.

Keep the Savor in the Salt

Elder Teixeira states, “When our lives are filled with purpose and service, we avoid spiritual apathy…” I need to stay in a constant course correction to stay within the covenant path (it is straight and narrow) and to keep my direction focused toward the light. Elder Teixeira gives us four ways to help us keep the Savor in the Salt:

Keeping the house of the Lord at the center of our devotion.
Being deliberate in our efforts to strengthen others by living the gospel together.
Being willing to accept a calling and serving in the Church.
Using digital communication tools with purpose.

We can preserve our spiritual vitality by following the two great commandments and serving others.

What is the result?

Just as salt in its purest form can enhance and preserve, so too does our faith in Jesus Christ when nourished and protected by our dedication to Christlike service and love.

As we remain bonded to the Lord, our lives will naturally reflect His light and become the salt of the earth.

I love Elder Teixeira’s closing statement, “May we strive to maintain this bond with the Lord, never lose our savor, and be the small, little crystal of salt that the Lord wants us to be.” The “small little crystal of salt” struck truth in my soul. It said God’s will, not mine, humble and teachable as a child, and go and do without fanfare or announcement. We are to connect to God and light, and our lives will be better as we bond to Christ.

Check out the LIVE Beacon of Light Podcast From the Pulpit on Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m.