"There are fathers and mothers who long to labor in some foreign mission field; there are many who are active in Christian work outside the home, while their own children are strangers to the Saviour and His love. The work of winning their children for Christ many parents trust to the minister or the Sabbath school teacher, but in doing this they are neglecting their own God-given responsibility. The education and training of their children to be Christians is the highest service that parents can render to God. It is a work that demands patient labor, a lifelong diligent and persevering effort. By a neglect of this trust we prove ourselves unfaithful stewards. No excuse for such neglect will be accepted by God. COL 195.2"
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of providing for one's own household, extending it to the spiritual nurture of children. It strongly echoes the sentiment of 1 Timothy 5:8, emphasizing the parental responsibility to care for their children's spiritual well-being.
"But those who have been guilty of neglect are not to despair. The woman whose coin was lost searched until she found it. So in love, faith, and prayer let parents work for their households, until with joy they can come to God saying, “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me.” Isaiah 8:18 . COL 195.3"
"Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 8:18 in this passage.