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Ellen White on Dealing with Farm Pests and Raccoons

Does the command 'Thou shalt not kill' apply to harmful farm pests?

AdventAI

What does ellen white say about pests in the farm that need to be killed

AdventAI

Killing pests on the farm is a necessary duty that God has given us to perform with faithfulness. While some suggest that no living thing, even an insect, should be destroyed, this is an extreme theory that finds no foundation in the Word of God or the teachings of Christ.

The Necessity of Destroying Pests

  • A Consequence of Sin: Because the earth has been cursed by sin, vermin and harmful pests will multiply in these last days.

  • Self-Preservation: These pests must be destroyed because they can annoy, torment, or even kill human beings, while also destroying the fruit of our land and the work of our hands.

  • Protecting Possessions: It is essential to guard against and exterminate harmful insects and reptiles to preserve ourselves and our property from harm.

  • Specific Examples: Termites that destroy the woodwork of houses should be destroyed, and fruit trees must be sprayed so that insects which spoil the fruit are killed.

Correcting Extreme Teachings

  • Sound Reasoning: Stretching the command "Thou shalt not kill" to include insects is not according to sound reasoning and brings the truth into disrepute Exodus 20:13.

  • Origin of False Theories: The idea that we should not destroy pests that prey upon our crops is an invention of the enemy intended to belittle our faith. Such idle tales do not come from the Spirit of God but originate with Satan to deceive those who have "itching ears".

  • A Call to Focus: Believers should not waste precious time in controversy regarding the killing of insects; instead, we should dwell upon sacred truths that build up a character reflecting Christ.

Spiritual Lessons from Farm Management

The diligent effort required to keep a farm free from pests serves as a vital lesson for the soul. Just as a gardener must be careful to remove every weed and control pests to ensure a harvest, we must be earnest in uprooting the "Satanic plants" and evil tendencies within the garden of our own hearts. By acting with faithfulness in our part—including the extermination of pests—we can then confidently leave the results with the Lord. God promises to bless those who walk in obedience and has even promised to "rebuke the devourer" for the sake of those who are faithful to Him Malachi 3:11.

Sources · 12
  1. 20MR 338.1Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]Ellen Gould White
  2. 16LtMs, Ms 70, 1901, par. 19Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)Ellen Gould White
  3. 16LtMs, Lt 82, 1901, par. 4Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)Ellen Gould White
  4. 1SM 170.3Selected Messages Book 1Ellen Gould White
  5. 2MR 178.2Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]Ellen Gould White
  6. 14LtMs, Lt 163, 1899, par. 17Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)Ellen Gould White
  7. 2NL 162.3Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2Ellen Gould White
  8. COL 87.3Christ’s Object LessonsEllen Gould White
  9. CSA 23.5A Call To Stand ApartEllen Gould White
  10. Ed 111.3EducationEllen Gould White
  11. TEd 67.2True EducationEllen Gould White
  12. SS 365.1From Splendor to ShadowEllen Gould White

Are racoons ok to get rid of? In our farm i have a racoon problem. Despite not wanting to kill its been , 3 years of patience and human traps, but tonight I had to shoot one with .22 and i had to shoot him about 20 times and still wouldnt stop fighting to escape. It was difficult to do

AdventAI

It is entirely appropriate and necessary to destroy harmful animals that threaten your safety and your livelihood. While it is understandable to feel distress when taking a life, you must act with faithfulness to protect the work of your hands and the fruit of your land from creatures that would otherwise destroy them.

The Duty of Protection and Preservation

  • A Necessary Part to Act: God has given us a part to act in this sin-cursed earth, and we must perform this part with faithfulness by destroying pests that would otherwise annoy, torment, or kill us.

  • Preserving Your Possessions: Harmful and troublesome creatures must be destroyed to preserve yourself and your property from harm.

  • Reasonable Application of the Law: It is not sound reasoning to stretch the command "Thou shalt not kill" to the point where it protects vermin that destroy our peace and rest; those who do so have not learned in the school of Christ Exodus 20:13.

  • Dominion Over the Earth: God granted man dominion over the earth and every creeping thing that moves upon it, which includes the responsibility to manage and protect our environment Genesis 1:26.

Understanding the Source of Hesitation

  • Extreme Teachings: Theories suggesting that no living thing should ever be killed originate with Satan and are designed to divert the mind from truths concerning eternal welfare.

  • Avoiding Ineffective Tradition: Like the teachers of old who burdened people with minute regulations, modern extreme teachings on this matter can make life a burden and bring the truth into disrepute.

  • Focus on Essential Work: You have no time to engage in prolonged controversy or soul-distressing anxiety over the killing of pests; instead, focus on the great truths of God's word.

Lessons from the Farm

Managing a farm requires decisive action to ensure a harvest, just as we must be decisive in our spiritual lives. You should feel encouraged that God regards your diligence in your work, as he even watches over the smallest creatures. Just as the Lord sent hornets to drive out enemies from the land of Israel, He recognizes that certain creatures must be removed for His people to inhabit the land safely Exodus 23:28. Trust that when you have done your best to act faithfully in protecting your farm, you can leave the rest with the Lord. 🐾

Sources · 11
  1. 3SM 329.1Selected Messages Book 3Ellen Gould White
  2. 20MR 338.1Manuscript Releases, vol. 20 [Nos. 1420-1500]Ellen Gould White
  3. 17LtMs, Ms 236, 1902, par. 2Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)Ellen Gould White
  4. CW 47.2Counsels to Writers and EditorsEllen Gould White
  5. ST June 9, 1887, par. 4The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  6. 2NL 162.3Notebook Leaflets from the Elmshaven Library, vol. 2Ellen Gould White
  7. RH May 28, 1908, par. 6The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  8. 14LtMs, Lt 2, 1899, par. 37Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)Ellen Gould White
  9. CG 58.5Child GuidanceEllen Gould White
  10. 9LtMs, Ms 8a, 1894, par. 22Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)Ellen Gould White
  11. 1SP 239.1The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1Ellen Gould White