"And the Giver expects returns according to the gifts. The humblest gift is not to be despised. Everyone has his peculiar sphere and vocation. He who makes the most of his God-given opportunities will return to the Giver, in their improvement, an interest proportionate to the entrusted capital. CT 513.1"
"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of accountability based on what one has been given, as stated in Luke 12:48. The connection is clear and meaningful.
"The Lord does not reward the large amount of labor. He does not regard the greatness of the work so much as the fidelity with which it is done. The good and faithful servant is rewarded. As we cultivate the powers God has given us, we shall increase in knowledge and perception. CT 513.2"
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the parable of the talents and the reward given to the 'good and faithful servant' in Matthew 25:21. The emphasis on fidelity over the amount of labor is a key element of the parable.
"increased power for good in this life; and those who make the most of their opportunities to reach high attainments will take these attainments with them into the future life. They have sought and obtained that which is imperishable. The ability to appreciate the glories that “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard” ( 1 Corinthians 2:9 ), will be proportionate to the attainments reached. CT 513.3"
"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."
Ellen White directly references 1 Corinthians 2:9 in this passage.
"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"
While EGW also references 1 Corinthians 2:9, the core idea of laying up treasures and attainments that are imperishable and will be taken into the future life parallels the concept of storing up treasures in heaven in Matthew 6:20. Both passages emphasize the importance of investing in eternal values rather than earthly possessions.
"Those who empty their hearts of vanity and rubbish, through the grace of God may purify the mind and make it a storehouse of knowledge, purity, and truth. And it will be continually reaching beyond the narrow boundaries of worldly thought, into the vastness of the infinite. CT 513.4"
"And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;"
The EGW passage speaks of purifying the mind and filling it with knowledge, purity, and truth, which aligns with the concept of being renewed in the spirit of your mind as mentioned in Ephesians 4:23. Both passages emphasize the transformation of the mind through spiritual means.