"It often happens that an active businessman is cut down without a moment's warning and on examination his business is found to be in a most perplexing condition. In the effort to settle his estate the lawyers’ fees eat up a large share, if not all, of the property, while his wife and children and the cause of Christ are robbed. Those who are faithful stewards of the Lord's means will know just how their business stands, and, like wise men, they will be prepared for any emergency. Should their probation close suddenly, they would not leave such great perplexity upon those who are called to settle their estate. 4T 482.1"
"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 suddenness of death and the consequences of being unprepared. The EGW passage focuses on the practical aspects of managing one's affairs and the potential for financial complications, while Luke 12:20 highlights the futility of accumulating wealth without spiritual preparation. The core theme of being caught off guard by death connects the two passages.
"Many are not exercised upon the subject of making their wills while they are in apparent health. But this precaution should be taken by our brethren. They should know their financial standing and should not allow their business to become entangled. They should arrange their property in such a manner that they may leave it at any time. 4T 482.2"
"Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."
Both passages encourage preparedness for the future, acknowledging the uncertainty of life. Proverbs 27:1 warns against presuming on tomorrow, while the EGW passage advises making a will. The connection is thematic, focusing on the wisdom of planning ahead.
"Wills should be made in a manner to stand the test of law. After they are drawn they may remain for years and do no harm, if donations continue to be made from time to time as the cause has need. Death will not come one day sooner, brethren, because you have made your will. In disposing of your property by will to your relatives, be sure that you do not forget God's cause. You are His agents, holding His property; and His claims should have your first consideration. Your wife and children, of course, should not be left destitute; provision should be made for them if they are needy. But do not, simply because it is customary, bring into your will a long line of relatives who are not needy. 4T 482.3"
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of 1 Timothy 5:8, emphasizing the importance of providing for one's family. It expands on this by adding the consideration of God's cause alongside family needs.
"Let it ever be kept in mind that the present selfish system of disposing of property is not God's plan, but man's device. Christians should be reformers and break up this present system, giving an entirely new aspect to the formation of wills. Let the idea be ever present that it is the Lord's property which you are handling. The will of God in this matter is law. If man had made you the executor of his property, would you not closely study the will of the testator, that the smallest amount might not be misapplied? Your heavenly Friend has entrusted you with property, and given you His will as to how it should be used. If this will is studied with an unselfish heart, that which belongs to God will not be misapplied. The Lord's cause has been shamefully neglected, when He has provided men with sufficient means to meet every emergency, if they only had grateful, obedient hearts. 4T 482.4"
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
The EGW passage emphasizes faithfulness in managing God's property, drawing a parallel to the faithfulness expected of stewards. This aligns directly with the principle stated in 1 Corinthians 4:2.