"The minister, the missionary, the teacher, will find their influence with the people greatly increased when it is manifest that they possess the knowledge and skill required for the practical duties of everyday life. And often the success, perhaps the very life, of the missionary depends on his knowledge of practical things. The ability to prepare food, to deal with accidents and emergencies, to treat disease, to build a house, or a church if need be—often these make all the difference between success and failure in his lifework. Ed 221.1"
"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."
Both passages emphasize the importance of service and adapting to the needs of others. Paul became a servant to all to win more to Christ, and EGW highlights the practical skills that enable missionaries to better serve and connect with the people they are trying to reach.
"In acquiring an education, many students would gain a most valuable training if they would become self- sustaining. Instead of incurring debts, or depending on the self-denial of their parents, let young men and young women depend on themselves. They will thus learn the value of money, the value of time, strength, and opportunities, and will be under far less temptation to indulge idle and spendthrift habits. The lessons of economy, industry, self-denial, practical business management, and steadfastness of purpose, thus mastered, would prove a most important part of their equipment for the battle of life. And the lesson of self-help learned by the student would go far toward preserving institutions of learning from the burden of debt under which so many schools have struggled, and which has done so much toward crippling their usefulness. Ed 221.2"
"The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
EGW's emphasis on self-sufficiency and avoiding debt directly reflects the principle in Proverbs 22:7 that the borrower is servant to the lender. She advocates for students to be self-sustaining to avoid being in debt and thus controlled by others.
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat."
EGW's encouragement of self-sufficiency and avoiding dependence on others aligns with the principle in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 that those who do not work should not eat. Both passages promote the value of labor and discourage idleness.
"Let the youth be impressed with the thought that education is not to teach them how to escape life's disagreeable tasks and heavy burdens; that its purpose is to lighten the work by teaching better methods and higher aims. Teach them that life's true aim is not to secure the greatest possible gain for themselves, but to honor their Maker in doing their part of the world's work, and lending a helpful hand to those weaker or more ignorant. Ed 221.3"
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of bearing one another's burdens, emphasizing service and helping others, which aligns with Galatians 6:2.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Both passages emphasize the importance of service to others rather than seeking personal gain. Matthew 20:28 highlights Jesus' example of ministering to others, while EGW encourages youth to use their education to help those who are weaker or more ignorant.