"positions of trust, they are rare; when women are wanted with well-balanced minds, with not a cheap style of education, but with an education fitting them for any position of trust, they are not easily found. What is worth doing at all, is worth doing well. While religion should be the pervading element in every school, it will not lead to a cheapening of the literary attainments. While a religious atmosphere should pervade the school, diffusing its influence, it will make all who are truly Christians feel more deeply their need of thorough knowledge, that they may make the best use of the faculties that God has bestowed upon them. While growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will groan under a sense of their imperfections, and will seek constantly to put to the stretch their powers of mind, that they may become intelligent Christians. CE 50.1"
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."
Both passages emphasize the importance of doing things well and with diligence. Ecclesiastes 9:10 speaks of doing whatever your hand finds to do with your might, while the EGW passage stresses the need for thorough education and making the best use of one's faculties. The connection is a direct principle about diligence and excellence.
The Lord Jesus is dishonored by low ideas or designs on our part. He who does not feel the binding claims of God's law, and neglects to keep every requirement, violates the whole law. He who is content to partially meet the standard of righteousness, and who does not triumph over every spiritual foe, will not meet the designs of Christ. He cheapens the whole plan of his religious life, and weakens his religious character, and under the force of temptation his defects of character gain the supremacy, and evil triumphs. We need to be persevering and determined, to meet the highest standard possible. Pre-established habits and ideas must be overcome in many cases, before we can make advancement in religious life. The faithful Christian will bear much fruit; he is a worker; he will not lazily drift, but will put on the whole armor to fight the battles of the Lord. The essential work is to conform the tastes, the appetite, the passions, the motives, the desires, to the great moral standard …
"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
The EGW passage directly alludes to James 2:10, stating that one who neglects to keep every requirement of God's law violates the whole law. This is a clear and explicit reference to the principle articulated in James 2:10.
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Both passages emphasize striving towards a high standard in Christ. EGW speaks of meeting the highest standard possible and overcoming obstacles, while Philippians 3:14 speaks of pressing toward the mark for the prize. The connection is valid and meaningful.