"Parents and children alike belong to God to be ruled by Him. By affection and authority combined, Abraham ruled his house. God's word has given us rules for our guidance. These rules form the standard from which we cannot swerve if we would keep the way of the Lord. God's will must be paramount. The question for us to ask is not: What have others done? What will my relatives think? or, What will they say of me if I pursue this course? but, What has God said? Neither parent nor child can truly prosper in any course excepting in the way of the Lord. 5T 548.1"
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Both passages emphasize prioritizing God's will above all else, even societal expectations or familial pressures. Joshua 24:15 presents a choice to serve God, while the EGW passage urges adherence to God's rules regardless of external influences.
"I am thankful that you have noble sons who are seeking to walk in the ways of the Lord; but I hope you will discern more clearly the path of duty in respect to their associations. This will determine whether you are growing in spirituality, or whether you are dwarfed in your religious life. The stern dictates of conscience must be obeyed, even though it be difficult; and it will help you to gain in moral power. Duties are often crosses which we must lift. Prayer and praise to God are not always offered without a struggle. Self-denial and cross bearing lie directly in the path we must travel if we reach the gates of the city of God. Jesus has led the way; will we follow? 5T 548.2"
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the concept of taking up one's cross and following Jesus, which is the central theme of Matthew 16:24. It connects this idea to the challenges and self-denial involved in living a spiritual life.
"We must be workers together with God, not alone for our own salvation, but in doing all we can for the salvation of others. Thus we become partners in the great plan of redemption, and will be sharers in the eternal weight of glory by and by. God calls upon you to press your way “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” May the Lord bless you, is my prayer. But remember, if you are united with Christ, you must be a co-worker with Him. Our piety and religious duties will become narrowed down to our own interests unless we are daily partakers of the spirit of Christ. Interest for the souls of others is calculated to give breadth and depth and stability to Christian character. 5T 548.3"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
EGW directly references the idea of being "laborers together with God," which is the core concept of 1 Corinthians 3:9. The context in EGW also aligns with the idea of working for the salvation of others, which is a key aspect of God's work.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
EGW directly quotes Philippians 3:14, making this an explicit allusion. The context of striving for a higher calling is also present in both passages.