The Savior, having set forth the array of munificent blessings awaiting those who follow in His footsteps, now explains that His disciples are to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of this people” (verses 13 and 14). We are to bring savor and to preserve the gospel for all mankind by letting our light (the Lord Jesus Christ) shine for all. If our works are good they bring glory to our Heavenly Father. Being part of the fold of Christ brings not only great blessings but great responsibilities to glorify God through righteous living and by carrying the gospel message to the world.
It is our joy and glory to help build up the kingdom of God here upon the earth. As members of the Church, we are reminded by the Lord to honor our covenants. We are the salt of the earth, and if we lose our savor, we are good for nothing. The Lord also indicates that we are to be a light unto the world and do good works that we might glorify our Heavenly Father. As a light (see 3 Nephi 15:12), we are to show people the way to Christ, for He is the light and life of the world (see 3 Nephi 9:18; 18:24). The Lord declares in our day: “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; They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men” (D&C 101:39–40). We, as salt of the earth, have “power, in other words, to be the seasoning, savoring, preserving influence in the world, the influence which would bring peace and blessings to all others” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 668).
“Salt and Light”
President Joseph F. Smith helps us understand our role in bringing others to Christ through our examples:
Christ, teaching his disciples, called attention to the importance of their position and place in the world. Though poor and despised of men, yet he told them they were the salt of the earth, the light of the world.
Then he encouraged them to effort and achievement by showing them that their exalted position would avail them little, unless they made proper use of their high callings.
These conditions and instructions apply admirably to the Latter-day Saints, who are indeed the salt of the earth, and in whom is vested the gospel light of the world; who, as the apostle said of the Former-day Saints, are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that they should show forth the praises of him who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light.
But all this availeth little or nothing, unless the Saints consider themselves of some consequence, and let their light shine, collectively and individually; unless they are model in their behavior, honest, zealous in the spread of truth, tolerant of their neighbors, “having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
One fault to be avoided by the Saints, young and old, is the tendency to live on borrowed light, with their own hidden under a bushel; to permit the savor of their salt of knowledge to be lost; and the light within them to be reflected, rather than original.
Every Saint should not only have the light within himself, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but his light should so shine that it may be clearly perceived by others.
Men and women should become settled in the truth, and founded in the knowledge of the gospel, depending upon no person for borrowed or reflected light, but trusting only upon the Holy Spirit, who is ever the same, shining forever and testifying to the individual and the priesthood, who live in harmony with the laws of the gospel, of the glory and the will of the Father. They will then have light everlasting which cannot be obscured. By its shining in their lives, they shall cause others to glorify God; and by their well-doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and show forth the praises of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (Improvement Era, Vol. 8, 60–62, 1904–5; Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, comp. John A. Widtsoe [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 87).