The symbolism of salt

The Symbolism of salt 

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ tells his followers that they “are the salt of the earth,” but if the salt loses its flavor, “it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out.”

As much as we love our sodium intake today, the symbolism of salt has deep meaning in the ancient Jewish culture and would have been even more relevant to the culture and religious practices of the time. While there are many interpretations to be drawn, here are a few we found especially poignant.

The Covenant of Salt

Salt was an essential preservative and often referenced in scripture and Mosaic rituals as a symbol of remembrance and preservation. This is most clearly seen in relation to sacred covenants.  Both Numbers 18 and 2 Chronicles mention “a covenant of salt.” The term salt was a direct reminder that a covenant is something that needs to be actively preserved.

As “the salt of the earth,” we have the privilege of unprecedented access to the saving and exalting ordinances of God. However, if we do not actively work to honor those covenants, we lose their power and protection.

Endure is another word to use in conjunction with preservation in terms of modern-day applications. God’s covenants are enduring. All we love and cherish endures into eternity because of Jesus Christ. By making and keeping covenants, we are able to utilize that power more prominently in our life.

The Contamination of Salt

Elder Carlos E. Asay, while serving as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, shared some interesting facts on how salt loses its savour. Namely, that it only occurs through contamination.

“A world-renowned chemist told me that salt will not lose its savor with age. Savor is lost through mixture and contamination. Similarly, priesthood power does not dissipate with age; it, too, is lost through mixture and contamination…Flavor and quality flee a man when he contaminates his mind with unclean thoughts, desecrates his mouth by speaking less than the truth, and misapplies his strength in performing evil acts.”

Christ was clear that salt becomes useless when it loses its savour. If savour is literally lost through contamination, then we symbolically lose savour in our souls through the contamination of transgression and sin.

By remaining true, we can bring the light of Jesus Christ to the world, effectively adding so much more to the bland truths of a fallen world.

Reading Matthew 5: 14-16

Scripture

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

This is an excerpt from President Monson’s talk:

"My brothers and sisters, our opportunities to shine surround us each day, in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others, whether they be our own family members and friends, our co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. To each of you, I say that you are a son or daughter of our Heavenly Father. You have come from His presence to live on this earth for a season, to reflect the Savior’s love and teachings, and to bravely let your light shine for all to see. When that season on earth has ended, if you have done your part, yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.”

...To illustrate that the light which comes from a pure and loving spirit is recognized by others, I share with you an experience of many years ago...

At that time, leaders of the Church met with officials in Jerusalem to work out a lease agreement for land on which the Church’s Jerusalem Center would be built. In order to obtain the permissions needed, the Church had to agree that no proselyting would be undertaken by our members who would occupy the center. After that agreement had been made, one of the Israeli officials, who was well acquainted with the Church and its members, remarked that he knew the Church would honor the no-proselyting agreement. “But,” he said, referring to the students who would attend there, “what are we going to do about the light that is in their eyes?” May that special light ever shine within us, that it might be recognized and appreciated by others.”