"My brethren and sisters, it is too late to devote your time and strength to self-serving. Let not the last day find you destitute of the heavenly treasure. Seek to push the triumphs of the cross, seek to enlighten souls, labor for the salvation of your fellow beings, and your work will abide the trying test of fire. 9T 56.2"
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
Both passages emphasize storing up treasure in heaven rather than earthly possessions. EGW's passage directly echoes the sentiment of Matthew 6:20, urging readers to focus on eternal rewards.
"Every true, self-sacrificing worker for God is willing to spend and be spent for the sake of others. Christ says: “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25 . By earnest, thoughtful efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service; but when Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it again. 9T 56.3"
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
EGW directly quotes John 12:25 and expands upon its meaning in the context of self-sacrificing service to others. The connection is explicit and central to the argument.
"He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal."
Ellen White directly references John 12:25 in this passage.
"My brethren and sisters, do not spend a large amount of time and money on self, for the sake of appearance. Those who do this are obliged to leave undone many things that would have comforted others, sending a warm glow to their weary spirits. We all need to learn how to improve faithfully the opportunities that so often come to us to bring light and hope into the lives of others. How can we improve these opportunities if our thoughts are centered on self? He who is self-centered loses countless opportunities for doing that which would have brought blessing to himself and others. It is the duty of the servant of Christ, under every circumstance, to ask himself, What can I do to help others? Having done his best, he is to leave the consequences with God. 9T 56.4"
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
EGW's passage directly reflects the principle of Philippians 2:4, which encourages looking out for the interests of others rather than being self-centered. The passage amplifies this principle in the context of practical actions and opportunities for service.