"Chapter 56—Christian Influence In their intercourse with others all at the sanitarium who are followers of Christ should seek to elevate the standard of Christianity. I have hesitated to speak of this because some who are ever ready to go to extremes will conclude that it is necessary to discuss with the patients upon points of doctrine and, in the religious meetings held at the sanitarium, to talk as they would if among their brethren in our own house of worship. Some manifest no wisdom in bearing their testimony in these little meetings intended more especially for the benefit of the patients, but rush on in their zeal and talk of the third angel's message, or other peculiar points of our faith, while these sick people understand no more what they are talking about than if they spoke in Greek. 4T 565"
"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of adapting to the audience, as Paul does in 1 Corinthians 9:22, to the specific context of a sanitarium. She emphasizes the need to tailor the message to the understanding of the patients, avoiding complex doctrines that would be lost on them.
"It may be well enough to introduce these subjects in a prayer meeting of believers, but not where the object is to benefit those who know nothing of our faith. We should adapt our prayers and testimonies to the occasion and to the company present. Those who cannot do this are not needed in such meetings. There are themes that Christians may at any time dwell upon with profit, such as the Christian experience, the love of Christ, and the simplicity of faith; and if their own hearts are imbued with the love of Jesus, they will let it shine forth in every prayer and exhortation. Let the fruits of the sanctifying truth be seen in the life, in a godly example, and it will make an impression that no opposing influence can counteract. 4T 565.2"
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of 1 Peter 3:15 by emphasizing the importance of being prepared to share one's faith in a way that is appropriate for the audience and occasion. While 1 Peter focuses on being ready to give a reason for one's hope, EGW focuses on adapting prayers and testimonies to the specific needs and understanding of the audience.
"It is a shame to the Christian name that so little stability and true godliness are seen in the lives of many who profess Christ. When brought in contact with worldly influences, they become divided in heart. They lean to the world rather than toward Christ. Unless there is a powerful excitement to stir the feelings, one would never think, from their deportment, that they loved the truth or were Christians. 4T 565.3"
"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 address the issue of divided loyalty between the world and God. James 4:4 directly condemns friendship with the world as enmity with God, while the EGW passage describes how some Christians become divided in heart and lean toward the world when exposed to worldly influences.