Fanciful or Speculative Teachings
153
concerning what will be in the kingdom of heaven.—
Manuscript 30,
1904
.
A Life and Death Question
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. God has told
no one that it is a sin to kill the insects which destroy our peace and
rest. In all His teaching, Christ gave no message of this character, and
His disciples are to teach only what He commanded them.
There are those who are always seeking to engage in controversy.
This is the sum of their religion. They are filled with a desire to
produce something new and strange. They dwell upon matters of the
smallest consequence, exercising upon these their sharp, controversial
talents.
Idle tales are brought in as important truths, and by some they
are actually set up as tests. Thus controversy is created, and minds
are diverted from present truth. Satan knows that if he can get men
and women absorbed in trifling details, greater questions will be left
unheeded. He will furnish plenty of material for the attention of those
who are willing to think upon trifling, unimportant subjects. The minds
[171]
of the Pharisees were absorbed with questions of no moment. They
passed by the precious truths of God’s Word to discuss the traditionary
lore handed down from generation to generation, which in no way
concerned their salvation. And so today, while precious moments are
passing into eternity, the great questions of salvation are overlooked
for some idle tale.
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
). These side issues which arise are as hay, wood, and stubble
compared with the truth for these last days. Those who leave the
great truths of God’s Word to speak of such matters are not preaching