Lesson Prepration Guide for "Bonded to Jesus Christ: Becoming the Salt of the Earth"

In his profound message, Elder José A. Teixeira of the Presidency of the Seventy explores the symbolic meaning of being the "salt of the earth" as taught by Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being bonded to the Savior to fulfill our divine role and influence in the world. Elder Teixeira draws parallels between the ancient craft of salt harvesting and the spiritual effort required to maintain our covenant relationship with the Lord, urging us to engage in purposeful service and discipleship.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing a personal story or testimony about a time you felt "bonded" to Jesus Christ and how it impacted your life.
Start with a brief discussion about the properties and significance of salt in ancient times as a way to introduce the metaphor Elder Teixeira uses.
Invite class members to share what being "the salt of the earth" means to them personally.
Show a short video or slideshow of the Algarve salt harvesting process to visually illustrate Elder Teixeira's analogy.
Ask class members to write down a few ways they feel they are currently "bonded" to the Savior and share one with the group.

Topics

Bonding with the Lord as Salt of the Earth

Elder Teixeira emphasized that to be the salt of the earth, we must be bonded to Jesus Christ. This bond is evident in the faithful service and dedication of Church members worldwide.

We can’t be salt on our own; if we are to be salt of the earth, we must be bonded to the Lord.

What does it mean to you to be bonded to the Lord?
How have you seen this bond manifest in your own life or in the lives of others?
Why is it important for us to be "the salt of the earth"?
What are some ways you strengthen your bond with the Savior?
How can we help others strengthen their bond with Jesus Christ?

Youth as Leaders in Discipleship

Elder Teixeira praised the youth for their courage and devotion, highlighting their leadership in family history and missionary work as evidence of their bond to Christ.

Their willingness to devote time and energy to serve missions across the globe reflects a deep and abiding faith.

How can the youth continue to lead in discipleship within our community?
What unique challenges do the youth face in maintaining their bond with Christ?
How can older generations support and learn from the youth in the Church?
Why is it important for the youth to be involved in family history and temple work?
In what ways can the youth's example inspire others to strengthen their faith?

Maintaining Spiritual Vitality

Elder Teixeira warned against losing spiritual vitality by becoming casual in our faith, comparing it to salt losing its savor. He encouraged purposeful living and service.

Like salt can lose its essence, we can also lose our spiritual vitality if our faith in Jesus Christ becomes casual.

What are some signs that we might be losing our spiritual vitality?
How can we ensure that our faith remains strong and vibrant?
What role does service play in maintaining our spiritual vitality?
How can we help others who may be struggling with spiritual apathy?
What are some daily practices that help you maintain your spiritual vitality?

Simple Acts to Deepen Discipleship

Elder Teixeira outlined four simple ways to deepen our discipleship: temple worship, strengthening others, accepting callings, and purposeful digital communication.

We too can do simple things that, with consistent efforts in small and meaningful acts, can deepen our discipleship and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Which of the four ways mentioned resonates most with you, and why?
How can regular temple worship impact our lives?
What are some challenges you face in accepting and fulfilling Church callings?
How can we use digital communication tools more purposefully?
What are some simple acts you can commit to this week to deepen your discipleship?

Preserving Faith and Community

Elder Teixeira emphasized the importance of maintaining our bond with the Lord to enrich our lives and strengthen our families and communities.

As we remain bonded to the Lord, our lives will naturally reflect His light, and we will become the salt of the earth.

How can our faith positively impact our families and communities?
What are some ways to preserve our faith in a challenging world?
How does our bond with the Lord help us reflect His light?
What role does community play in strengthening our faith?
How can we support each other in maintaining our spiritual vitality?

Additional Discussion Questions

How does the metaphor of salt enhance your understanding of discipleship?
What does it mean to you to 'never lose our savor'?
How can we balance digital communication with meaningful personal interactions?
What are some ways we can support the youth in their spiritual journeys?
How does temple worship center our lives in Christ?
What does it mean to live 'in the world but not be of the world'?
How can we ensure our service is a reflection of the Savior's love?
What are some practical ways to strengthen our families through gospel principles?
How can we help others who are struggling to find purpose in their lives?
What impact does being 'the salt of the earth' have on our personal growth?