"I was shown that there is no lack of means among Sabbathkeeping Adventists. At present their greatest danger is in their accumulations of property. Some are continually increasing their cares and labors; they are overcharged. The result is, God and the wants of His cause are nearly forgotten by them; they are spiritually dead. They are required to make a sacrifice to God, an offering. A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and consumes. Here, I was shown, was a worthy enterprise for God's people to engage in, one in which they can invest means to His glory and the advancement of His cause. Much of the means among our people is only proving an injury to those who are holding on to it. 1T 492.1"
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The EGW passage discusses the danger of accumulating property and forgetting God, which directly relates to the idea that where your treasure is, your heart will be also. The verse supports the warning against materialism.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
The EGW passage directly uses the concept of sacrifice, stating that God's people are 'required to make a sacrifice to God, an offering.' This aligns with Romans 12:1, which urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. The EGW passage applies this principle to the use of material means for God's cause.
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"
Both passages deal with the futility of hoarding wealth when one's life is finite. The EGW passage warns against being spiritually dead due to material possessions, echoing the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:20.
"Our people should have an institution of their own, under their own control, for the benefit of the diseased and suffering among us who wish to have health and strength that they may glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are His. Such an institution, rightly conducted, would be the means of bringing our views before many whom it would be impossible for us to reach by the common course of advocating the truth. As unbelievers shall resort to an institution devoted to the successful treatment of disease and conducted by Sabbathkeeping physicians, they will be brought directly under the influence of the truth. By becoming acquainted with our people and our real faith, their prejudice will be overcome and they will be favorably impressed. By thus being placed under the influence of truth, some will not only obtain relief from bodily infirmities, but will find a healing balm for their sin-sick souls. 1T 492.2"
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The EGW passage directly references the idea of glorifying God in body and spirit, which is explicitly stated in 1 Corinthians 6:20. The phrase 'which are His' in the EGW quote further strengthens the connection.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of glorifying God in all that we do, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 10:31. The context of the EGW quote is establishing a health institution, which aligns with doing all things to God's glory.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage discusses how the health institution can be a means of bringing unbelievers under the influence of truth, leading them to glorify God. This aligns with the theme of Matthew 5:16, where good works are meant to lead others to glorify God.