How can we remain the Lord’s “salt of the earth”? Sister Deana Worthen shares an experience that showed her how resisting temptation can help us keep our “savor.”
“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.” — Matthew 5:13
Every day we are surrounded by worldly temptations that could easily contaminate our spirits. Such temptations are growing more and more prominent in today’s society. We are constantly bombarded with choices that will either draw us closer to our Savior or cause us to suffer the loss of savor and purity.
Earlier in my life, I was not an active member, nor a follower of the Word of Wisdom. Later I began a new chapter in my life, one where I chose to follow a more righteous path to enable me to grow closer to my Heavenly Father. Along my new path I was faced with many temptations, just like all of us are at one time or another.
I still remember one of my defining evenings from years past. I was in St. Louis celebrating my birthday at a restaurant with my closest friends and family. Preceding this birthday, I had chosen to start going to church regularly and had embraced the Word of Wisdom.
Amidst good company and conversations, I was greatly surprised when I was presented with a special drink order. A dear friend I had not seen in over a year had joined us that evening. She wanted to honor me with that special drink. I remember the temptation was so strong. I had a moment of not knowing what to do in that situation. I didn’t want to hurt my friend’s feelings or make her feel bad, but I also knew deep down that I could not partake of it, either. I very politely declined while giving many thanks for such a thoughtful gesture. I still remember that intense pressured feeling to simply give into the temptation and drink just that one drink. Yet on the drive home I was filled with a feeling of absolute relief and utter jubilation for keeping myself pure!!
Just as salt that has not lost its savor is useful for many purposes, so can we be as we retain our savor. The Lord desires each of us to be of savor! I recognize now how purifying that evening was and I have felt the blessing of having increased savor as I observe the Word of Wisdom. We all need to aspire to be the savor that the Lord desires each of us to be. We can do this as we learn to control our thoughts, words, and actions so that we might remain the Lord’s “salt of the earth” — precious souls.
Sister Deana Worthen serves as Graham Oaks Ward Primary Secretary.
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