"Upon Christian youth depend in a great measure the preservation and perpetuity of the institutions which God has devised as a means by which to advance His work. Never was there a period when results so important depended upon a generation of men. Then how important that the young should be qualified for this great work, that God may use them as His instruments! Their Maker has claims upon them which are paramount to all others. CT 99.1"
"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."
EGW's statement that 'results so important depended upon a generation of men' and that 'God may use them as His instruments' directly reflects the principle in Luke 12:48 that those who have been given much will have much required of them. Both passages emphasize the responsibility that comes with privilege and opportunity.
"It is God who has given life and every physical and mental endowment that the youth possess. He has bestowed upon them capabilities for wise improvement, that they may do a work which will be as enduring as eternity. In return for His great gifts He claims a due cultivation and exercise of the intellectual and moral faculties. He did not give them these faculties merely for their amusement, or to be abused in working against His will and His providence, but to advance the knowledge of truth and holiness in the world. In return for His continued kindness and infinite mercies He claims their goodness, their veneration, their love. He justly requires obedience to His laws and to all wise regulations which will restrain and guard the youth from Satan's devices and lead them in paths of peace. CT 99.2"
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
Both passages emphasize that our bodies and minds are gifts from God, not to be used selfishly, but to glorify Him. EGW speaks of cultivating faculties to advance truth and holiness, while 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 speaks of the body as a temple and urges glorifying God in body and spirit.
"The wild, reckless character of many of the youth in this age of the world is heartsickening. If the youth could see that in complying with the laws and regulations of our institutions, they are only doing that which will improve their standing in society, elevate the character, ennoble the mind, and increase their happiness, they would not rebel against just rules and wholesome requirements, nor engage in creating suspicion and prejudice against these institutions. CT 99.3"
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
EGW discusses the 'wild, reckless character' of youth and the benefits of following rules, while Proverbs 1:7 states that 'fools despise wisdom and instruction.' Both passages highlight the importance of wisdom, instruction, and obedience for a fulfilling life.