"I never realized more than I do today the exalted character of the work, its sacredness and holiness, and the importance of our being fitted for it. I see the need in myself. I must have a new fitting up, a holy unction, or I cannot go any further to instruct others. I must know that I am walking with God. I must know that I understand the mystery of godliness. I must know that the grace of God is in my own heart, that my own life is in accordance with His will, that I am walking in His footsteps. Then my words will be true and my actions right. 2T 618.1"
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal holiness and self-examination for those who teach or minister to others. 1 Timothy 4:16 urges self-care and adherence to doctrine, while the EGW passage stresses the need for a 'new fitting up' and walking with God before instructing others.
But there is another point that I had almost forgotten. It is the influence which the preacher should exert in his ministry. His work is not merely to stand in the desk. It is but just begun there. He should enter the different families, and carry Christ there, carry his sermons there, carry them out in his actions and his words. As he visits a family he should inquire into their condition. Is he the shepherd of the flock? The work of a shepherd is not all done in the desk. He should talk with all the members of the flock, with the parents to learn their standing, and with the children to learn theirs. A minister should feed the flock over which God has made him overseer. It would be agreeable to go into the house and study; but if you do this to the neglect of the work which God has commissioned you to perform, you do wrong. Never enter a family without inviting them together, and bowing down and praying with them before you leave. Inquire into the health of their souls. What does a s…
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
The EGW passage elaborates on the role of a pastor as a shepherd, extending beyond preaching to include personal interaction and care for the flock, mirroring the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who gives his life for the sheep.