Some have said: “After I wear out this dress, I will make the next plainer.” Now, if conformity to the fashions of the world is right and pleasing to God, where is the need of making a change at all? But if it is wrong, is it best to continue in the wrong any longer than is positively necessary to make the change? Right here we would remind you of the zeal and earnestness, the skill and perseverance, you manifested in preparing your dress according to the fashion. Would it not be praiseworthy to manifest at least equal earnestness to make it conform to the Bible standard? Precious, God-given time and means were used in fashioning those garments; and now what are you willing to sacrifice to correct the wrong example you have been giving to others? 4T 640.3 It is a shame to our sisters to so forget their holy character and their duty to God as to imitate the fashions of the world. There is no excuse for us except the perversity of our own hearts. We do not extend our influence by such a …
"For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
EGW's argument against conforming to worldly fashions and her emphasis on pleasing God rather than men aligns with the principle expressed in Galatians 1:10. She challenges the reader to prioritize God's approval over societal expectations.
"Many a soul who was convinced of the truth has been led to decide against it by the pride and love of the world displayed by our sisters. The doctrine preached seemed clear and harmonious, and the hearers felt that a heavy cross must be lifted by them in taking the truth. When these persons have seen our sisters making so much display in dress, they have said: “This people dress fully as much as we do. They cannot really believe what they profess; and, after all, they must be deceived. If they really thought that Christ was soon coming, and the case of every soul was to be decided for eternal life or death, they could not devote time and money to dress according to the existing fashions.” How little did those professedly believing sisters know of the sermon their dress was preaching! 4T 641.2"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
EGW discusses how the actions (specifically dress) of believers can influence others' perception of their faith. This parallels the idea in Matthew 5:16 that believers' good works should be a light to the world, leading others to glorify God.
"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 discusses how the actions of believers can either attract or repel others from the faith. This has a possible connection to 1 Corinthians 9:22, where Paul talks about adapting to different people in order to win them over to Christ. However, the connection is not as strong as the other examples, as it's more about avoiding a negative influence than actively adapting.