March 29, 2020
Dear Ward Family,
Today is a time of trial and tribulation, a time of uncertainty, and can even be a time of fear. It is also a
time for reflection and a time in which we can turn to the Lord as individuals and as families. During times like
these we can take comfort in the promises from the Lord, which we have received through covenants made with
Him.
The resurrected Christ taught the Nephites, in a sermon very much like the sermon on the mount. They
had recently been through times of great darkness, destruction, trails, and tribulation. He said to them, “Verily,
verily, I say unto you, I give unto you to be the salt of the earth.” You may ask what does salt have to do with
times which can seem much like the mists of darkness spoken of in the Book of Mormon.
In ancient Israel, salt was not as easily obtained as it is today. It was used to give flavor or savor to foods,
much like it is today. It was also used to cure meats and as a preservative to keep them from rotting or decaying
over time.
The Lord commanded the priests of the tabernacle (temple) to season all meat offered for sacrifice with
salt. He also commanded them to offer salt with all offerings in relation to covenants with Him. (Lev. 2:13)
The Lord made a “covenant of salt” with Aaron, his sons and daughters, and their seed. He also made a
“covenant of salt” with King David and his sons. These covenants the Lord said, were to last forever, or be
“everlasting covenants”. (Num 18:19, 2 Chron. 13:5)
To the saints of the restored gospel, the Lord said through the Prophet Joseph Smith, “When men are
called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt
of the earth and the savor of men.” (D&C 101:39)
As we strive to become more like the Savior and keep the covenants that we have made with Him, we
give savor, or value, to His gospel and especially to His infinite atonement. The Lord has promised that if we
keep His commandments, we will prosper in the land, and receive peace in this life. He also promises that if we
remain faithful to our covenants, we will obtain the blessings of eternal life.
Brothers and Sisters, we love you and pray for you. May the Lord bless you for you are “The Salt of the
Earth”.
Brother Doran Shelley
