"Now is our time to labor for the salvation of our fellow men. There are some who think that if they give money to the cause of Christ, this is all they are required to do; the precious time in which they might do personal service for Him passes unimproved. But it is the privilege and duty of all who have health and strength to render to God active service. All are to labor in winning souls to Christ. Donations of money cannot take the place of this. COL 343.1"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The EGW passage aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, emphasizing the importance of actively working to save others and not relying solely on financial contributions. Both passages highlight the duty of believers to share their faith.
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
Both passages emphasize the idea of working together with God. The EGW passage speaks of laboring for the salvation of others, while 1 Corinthians 3:9 states that believers are laborers together with God. The connection is thematic, focusing on the concept of co-laboring with God.
"Every moment is freighted with eternal consequences. We are to stand as minute men, ready for service at a moment's notice. The opportunity that is now ours to speak to some needy soul the word of life may never offer again. God may say to that one, “This night thy soul shall be required of thee,” and through our neglect he may not be ready. ( Luke 12:20 .) In the great judgment day, how shall we render our account to God? COL 343.2"
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"
Ellen White directly references Luke 12:20 in this passage.
"Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest. Yet God has called us to serve Him in the temporal affairs of life. Diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as is devotion. The Bible gives no indorsement to idleness. It is the greatest curse that afflicts our world. Every man and woman who is truly converted will be a diligent worker. COL 343.3"
"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Both passages emphasize the importance of using time wisely and diligently. Ephesians 5:16 urges redeeming the time, while the EGW passage stresses diligence in temporal affairs as part of true religion. The connection is a direct application of the biblical principle regarding time management and purpose.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Both passages emphasize prioritizing spiritual matters while also acknowledging the importance of diligence in earthly affairs. Matthew 6:33 encourages seeking God's kingdom first, and EGW echoes this by stating that life shouldn't be absorbed in temporal matters, but also that God calls us to serve Him in temporal affairs.
"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 encourage diligence and hard work. Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges doing whatever one finds to do with all one's might, while EGW emphasizes that diligence in temporal affairs is part of true religion and condemns idleness. The connection is thematic, focusing on the importance of work and effort.
"Upon the right improvement of our time depends our success in acquiring knowledge and mental culture. The cultivation of the intellect need not be prevented by poverty, humble origin, or unfavorable surroundings. Only let the moments be treasured. A few moments here and a few there, that might be frittered away in aimless talk; the morning hours so often wasted in bed; the time spent in traveling on trams or railway cars, or waiting at the station; the moments of waiting for meals, waiting for those who are tardy in keeping an appointment—if a book were kept at hand, and these fragments of time were improved in study, reading, or careful thought, what might not be accomplished. A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time, will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness. COL 343.4"
"He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame."
Both passages emphasize the importance of using time wisely. Proverbs 10:5 contrasts the wise son who gathers in summer with the shameful son who sleeps during harvest. EGW similarly contrasts using small fragments of time productively with wasting them. The core idea of diligence and avoiding sloth is shared.