"We are in a world that is opposed to righteousness and purity of character, and to a growth in grace. Wherever we look we see corruption and defilement, deformity and sin. And what is the work that we are to undertake here just previous to receiving immortality? It is to preserve our bodies holy, our spirits pure, that we may stand forth unstained amid the corruptions teeming around us in these last days. And if this work is accomplished we need to engage in it at once, heartily and understandingly. Selfishness should not come in here to influence us. The Spirit of God should have perfect control of us, influencing us in all our actions. If we have a right hold on Heaven, a right hold of the power that is from above, we shall feel the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of God upon our hearts. 2T 356.1"
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of holiness found in 1 Peter 1:15-16. Both passages emphasize the importance of preserving our bodies and spirits pure and holy amidst the corruption of the world. The EGW passage expands on this principle, explaining that this work must be undertaken before receiving immortality.
When we have tried to present the health reform to our brethren and sisters, and have spoken to them of the importance of eating and drinking and doing all that they do to the glory of God, many by their actions have said: “It is nobody's business whether I eat this or that. Whatever we do we are to bear the consequences ourselves.” Dear friends, you are greatly mistaken. You are not the only sufferers from a wrong course. The society you are in bears the consequences of your wrongs, in a great degree, as well as yourselves. If you suffer from your intemperance in eating or drinking, we that are around you or associated with you are also affected by your infirmities. We have to suffer on account of your wrong course. If it has an influence to lessen your powers of mind or body, we feel it when in your society, and are affected by it. If, instead of having a buoyancy of spirit, you are gloomy, you cast a shadow upon the spirits of all around you. If we are sad and depressed, and in trou…
"And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."
Both passages address the interconnectedness of individuals within a community and the impact of one person's actions on others. 1 Corinthians 12:26 states that if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. The EGW passage illustrates this principle by explaining how the intemperance or negative attitudes of one person can affect the well-being and spirits of those around them. The connection lies in the shared idea of mutual influence and shared consequences within a community.