"So frivolity, selfish indulgence, and careless indifference on the part of professed Christians are turning away many souls from the path of life. Many there are who will fear to meet at the bar of God the results of their influence. COL 341.1"
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Both passages deal with the consequences of leading others astray. Matthew 18:6 speaks of the severity of causing 'little ones' to stumble, while EGW discusses the fear of facing the results of one's negative influence at the judgment. The underlying theme of accountability for leading others away from faith connects them.
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way."
Romans 14:13 warns against putting a 'stumblingblock' in a brother's way. EGW's statement about frivolity and indifference turning souls away from the path of life directly reflects this principle. The idea of avoiding actions that cause others to stumble is central to both passages.
"It is only through the grace of God that we can make a right use of this endowment. There is nothing in us of ourselves by which we can influence others for good. If we realize our helplessness and our need of divine power, we shall not trust to ourselves. We know not what results a day, an hour, or a moment may determine, and never should we begin the day without committing our ways to our heavenly Father. His angels are appointed to watch over us, and if we put ourselves under their guardianship, then in every time of danger they will be at our right hand. When unconsciously we are in danger of exerting a wrong influence, the angels will be by our side, prompting us to a better course, choosing our words for us, and influencing our actions. Thus our influence may be a silent, unconscious, but mighty power in drawing others to Christ and the heavenly world. COL 341.2"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
EGW's emphasis on the need for divine grace and the inability to influence others for good without God's help directly reflects the principle in John 15:5 that 'without me ye can do nothing.' Both passages highlight dependence on God for effective ministry and positive influence.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
The EGW passage directly references the concept of angels watching over us and protecting us, which is a clear allusion to Psalm 91:11.