"Increase by Use The teacher should not think that all his time is to be spent in the study of books. By putting into practice what he learns, he will obtain more than he will by mere study. As he uses his knowledge he will receive more. Some who have but one talent feel that they can do nothing. They hide their talent in the earth, as it were; and because they receive no increase they murmur against God. But if they would use the ability given them, their talent would double. It is by a faithful use of talents that they are multiplied. As we use aright the advantages God gives us, He increases our capabilities for service. CT 234"
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in Matthew 25:29, that those who use their talents will receive more, while those who do not will lose what they have. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the parable of the talents, specifically the servant who hid his talent in the earth. The connection is clear and supports the point being made in the EGW passage.
"We open to ourselves the floodgates of woe or joy. If we permit our thoughts to be engrossed with the troubles and trifles of earth, our hearts will be filled with unbelief, gloom, and foreboding. If we set our affections on things above, the voice of Jesus will speak to our hearts, murmuring will cease, and vexing thoughts will be lost in praise to our Redeemer. Those who dwell upon God's great mercies and are not unmindful of His lesser gifts, will put on the girdle of gladness and make melody in their hearts to the Lord. Then they will enjoy their work. They will stand firm at their post of duty. They will have a placid temper, a trustful spirit. CT 234.1"
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
The EGW passage directly echoes and expands upon the principle of setting affections on things above, as stated in Colossians 3:2. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of remembering God's blessings and mercies. The EGW passage expands on this by connecting it to joy, praise, and a positive attitude, while Psalm 103:2 focuses on not forgetting God's benefits. The connection is thematic and relevant.
"Because you are teachers, do not think that it is unnecessary to obtain a training in the simplest duties of life. Because you are studying books, do not neglect the everyday duties around you. Wherever you are, weave into your life all the usefulness possible, and you will find your minds more capable of expansion, more vigorous in grasping the lessons you endeavor to learn. By performing with faithfulness every practical duty that falls to you, you are becoming better qualified to educate those who need to learn how to do these things. CT 234.3"
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of faithfulness in small things leading to faithfulness in larger things, as taught in Luke 16:10. The context of the EGW quote emphasizes the importance of practical duties alongside intellectual pursuits, echoing the biblical principle.