"The multitude of deformed and sickly pressing for the earthly crown are those whose interests and treasures are in this world. Although they are disappointed on every side, they will not place their affections on heaven, and secure to themselves a treasure and home there. They fail of the earthly, yet while in pursuit of it, lose the heavenly. Notwithstanding the disappointment and unhappy life and death of those who were wholly bent upon obtaining earthly riches, others follow the same course. They rush madly on, disregarding the miserable end of those whose example they are following. 1T 352.1"
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 6:19, contrasting earthly and heavenly treasures. The focus on where one's treasure lies and the consequences of misplaced priorities aligns strongly with the biblical verse.
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
This is a strong thematic parallel. EGW's statement about securing treasure and a home in heaven directly reflects the teaching of Matthew 6:20 about laying up treasures in heaven. The contrast between earthly and heavenly treasures is central to both passages.
"Those who reached the crown, and possessed a share in it, and were applauded, are those who obtain that which is the whole aim of their life—riches. They receive that honor which the world bestows upon those who are rich. They have influence in the world. Satan and his evil angels are satisfied. They know that such are surely theirs, that while they are living in rebellion against God, they are Satan's powerful agents. 1T 352.2"
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition."
Both passages warn against the dangers of pursuing riches. The EGW passage elaborates on the consequences of prioritizing wealth, aligning with the warning in 1 Timothy 6:9 about falling into temptation and destruction.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Both passages address the conflict between serving God and pursuing worldly wealth. The EGW passage describes those who prioritize riches as agents of Satan, which aligns with the idea that one cannot serve both God and mammon.
"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Both passages address the impossibility of serving both God and wealth. The EGW passage describes those who prioritize riches as agents of Satan, echoing the sentiment that one cannot serve both God and mammon.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:"
Both passages contrast earthly treasures with a more spiritual focus. The EGW passage describes people focused on riches, while Matthew 6:19 warns against storing up earthly treasures.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
Both passages highlight the conflict between worldly values and God's will. The EGW passage describes those focused on riches as agents of Satan, which aligns with the idea that friendship with the world is enmity with God.