Learning to purify ourselves through Jesus Christ and become examples of refined faith leads us to seek out those who are ready to “be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
Christ teaches us that we “are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and that we are his disciples according to our faith in him. However, just as salt can lose its savor, disciples can stray from their teachers. So, how do we remain the salt of the earth and Christ’s disciples, and what do these titles mean to us personally?
To teach us these things, Elder José A. Teixeira, a General Authority Seventy, gave an address titled “Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth.” He discusses an ancient salt-gathering practice in Portugal performed by workers known as marnotos.
Photo by Kevin Schmid
We can best appreciate the marvel of this ancient practice by understanding the conditions of the salt’s creation and how it is collected: “The Algarve’s coastal salt marshes provide the ideal conditions for salt production,” states Elder Teixeira. As sea levels rise and beat upon the shores, the seawater is caught in shallow ponds. The sun then evaporates most of the water, leaving delicately formed crystals (known as salt cream or the flower of salt). The crystals are very unique and pure. The marnotos then use specialized tools to collect the crystals. Many cherish the salt cream and use it in culinary arts as a delicacy for its extraordinary flavor.
I love that we can compare this process to our own efforts. I have recognized some similarities while learning about the gathering of salt cream. These comparisons can help us develop as disciples and embrace our purpose as the salt of the earth:
- Each of us is unique and is made from a grand, detailed design that is glorious. Just like each grain of salt has a unique shape and texture, there is a divine mastermind behind every detail of our creation. God knows us and loves us perfectly because he is our creator.
- Only the Son can “evaporate” our imperfections and make us pure. As the salt reaches the Algarve shore, the sun heats the salt water, enacting a purification process for each grain. The “sun” in our lives is indeed the Son of God, Jesus Christ. It is through repentance and his atoning power that we are sanctified.
- It may take some beating upon the shore (trials and tribulations) to refine us. Purification is not possible without experiencing trials. The beautiful salt cream is formed after being tossed and turned in the waves. It is beaten and shaped in the sand. Only after it has tumbled into the Algarve ponds is it then purified by the sun. Therefore, we need to experience hardships—whether they be temptations, sorrow, or pain—to receive refinement and know the joy of healing and growing through Christ’s redeeming power.
- We must put forth effort to sift out our own impurities, and after all we can do, Christ will complete and perfect that which we could not do. The marnotos use tools to sift the salt cream from the ocean water, and separate it from “impurities” such as rocks or bugs. If God wants us to be like the marnotos, we must do all we can to strengthen and perfect our own efforts in following him. We must take a step back and recognize where we need to improve and act accordingly. As we follow him in faith, and trust in him and his timing, he will meet us where we are and make up the difference of what we can’t do for ourselves.
- As we are the salt of the earth, we must also be like the marnotos and help others reach Christ’s shores. Elder Teixeira teaches: “Just like the marnotos put forth great effort to ensure they harvest the highest quality of salt, so should we.” God wants us to be his gatherers as much as we are his salt. That means we must strengthen our efforts in finding those who are ready to come unto his shores and “be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32). God wants us to gather his sheep and minister to the ones who have gotten lost along the way.
Christ is the ultimate source of purity, truth, and light. As we seek to remain the salt of the earth and let Christ purify us, he will refine our faith. Our unique discipleship will be defined as we help gather those who are ready on his shores, and we will desire to serve our fellow men and be true examples of Christlike attributes.
Read “Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth” by Elder José A. Teixeira of the Seventy to find out more about the process of collecting salt cream and how we can become one with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Source: ChurchofJesusChrist.org
—Leah Laret, Latter-day Saint Insights
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As we are purified through Christ and minister to others, we will need help and guidance with keeping our footing stable and strong in our faith. Read “Strengthening our Foundation in Christ” by Catherine Niesporek for more guidance on how to do this.
As disciples of Christ and his salt of the earth, it is our responsibility to serve our fellow men as we are able. Read “You Are a Child of the Covenant—What Does That Mean for You?” by Brooke Francis to learn more about our covenant responsibilities as Christ’s disciples and the blessings he has in store for us as we dedicate more of our time to serving those around us.