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?" (Jer. 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." TDG 205
The strength acquired in prayer to God will prepare us for our daily duties. The temptations to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. In order that we may be kept by the power of God through faith, the desires of the mind should be continually ascending in silent prayer. When we are surrounded by influences calculated to lead us away from God, our petitions for help and strength must be unwearied. Unless, this is so, we shall never be successful in breaking down pride and overcoming the power of temptation to sinful indulgences which keep us from the Saviour. The light of truth, sanctifying the life, will discover to the receiver the sinful passions of his heart which are striving for the mastery, and which make it necessary for him to stretch every nerve and exert all his powers to resist Satan that he may conquer through the merits of Christ. Pr 83
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Titus 1:13-14 (New King James Version)