"Men of promise in business lines should develop and perfect their talents by most thorough study and training. They should be encouraged to place themselves where, as students, they can rapidly gain a knowledge of right business principles and methods. Not one business man now connected with the cause needs to be a novice. If men in any line of work ought to improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient, it is those who are using their ability in the work of building up the kingdom of God in our world. In view of the fact that we are living so near the close of this earth's history, there should be greater thoroughness in labor, more vigilant waiting, watching, praying, and working. The human agent should strive to attain perfection, that he may be an ideal Christian, complete in Christ Jesus. 7T 248.1"
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
The EGW passage directly encourages thorough study and training to become wise and efficient, echoing the sentiment of 2 Timothy 2:15 to 'study to shew thyself approved unto God.' The emphasis on diligence and competence in one's work, particularly in the context of serving God, aligns closely with the biblical verse.
"transactions were subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one faulty item could be found. The record of his business life, incomplete though it is, contains lessons worthy of study. It reveals the fact that a businessman is not necessarily a scheming, policy man. He may be a man instructed of God at every step. Daniel, while prime minister of the kingdom of Babylon, was a prophet of God, receiving the light of heavenly inspiration. His life is an illustration of what every Christian businessman may be. 7T 248.2"
"Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him."
The EGW passage uses Daniel as an example of a businessman who was also a man of God, highlighting his integrity and faithfulness. This directly parallels Daniel 6:4, which states that Daniel's enemies could find no fault in him because he was faithful. The connection is strong and relevant.
"God does not accept the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice. The root must be holy, else there can be no sound, healthy fruit, which alone is acceptable to God. The heart must be converted and consecrated. The motives must be right. The inner lamp must be supplied with the oil that flows from the messengers of heaven through the golden tubes into the golden bowl. The Lord's communication never comes to man in vain. 7T 248.3"
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions laying 'self upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice,' which is a clear allusion to Romans 12:1's call to 'present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' The concept of offering oneself completely to God is central to both passages.
"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."
The EGW passage speaks of the necessity of a holy root to produce sound, healthy fruit acceptable to God. This directly parallels Matthew 7:17, which states that a good tree brings forth good fruit, and a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. Both passages emphasize the connection between inner character and outward actions.