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Foolish Fanaticisms, July 15
Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn
from the truth.
Titus 1:14
.
Letters have come to me, asking in regard to the teaching of some who say
that nothing that has life should be killed, not even insects, however annoying
or distressing they may be. Is it possible that anyone claims that God has
given him this message to give to the people? The Lord has never given any
human being such a message.
The people need to be enlightened in regard to what is truth. These side
issues which arise are as hay, wood, and stubble compared with the truth for
these last days.
Idle tales are brought in as important truth, and by some they are actually
set up as tests. Messages have been borne in regard to the cruelty of killing
animals for food. These messages are true, but from them some have caught
the idea that no insects should be killed. Thus controversy has been created
and minds have been diverted from present truth.
God has told no one that it is a sin to kill the insects which destroy our
peace and rest. In all His teachings Christ gave no message of this character,
and His disciples are to teach only what He commanded them.
I would say to my brethren and sisters, “Keep close to the instruction
found in the Word of God. Dwell upon the rich truths of the Scriptures.
Thus only can you become one in Christ. You have no time to engage in
controversy regarding the killing of insects. Jesus has not placed this burden
upon you. “What is the chaff to the wheat?” (
Jeremiah 23:28
). The attributes
of Christ are to be studied and earnestly sought for, that every believer may
be complete in Him, revealing the beauty of His character. We have no time
for empty, foolish talk. Let us dwell upon the solemn, sacred truths for this
time....
God desires men and women to think soberly and candidly. They are
to ascend to a higher and still higher grade, commanding a wider and still
wider horizon. Looking unto Jesus, they are to be changed into His image.
They are to spend their time in searching for the deep, everlasting truths of
heaven.—
Letter 82, July 15, 1901
, to “Dear Brethren and Sisters.”
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