"Ministers to Set a Worthy Example Ministers should set the youth a worthy example, one corresponding to their holy calling. They should help the young to be frank, yet modest and dignified in all their associations. Day by day they are sowing seed that will spring up and bear fruit. They are to put away all coarseness, all trifling, ever remembering that they are educators; that, whether they will or not, their words and acts are to those with whom they come in contact a savor of life or of death. GW 126"
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of ministers setting a good example for the youth, which aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 4:12 that believers should be examples in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity.
"It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought, that is needed. Moral purity depends on right thinking and right acting. Evil thoughts destroy the soul, while a right control of the thoughts prepares the mind to labor harmoniously for the Master. Every thought should be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. GW 126.3"
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"
The EGW passage directly alludes to 2 Corinthians 10:5, particularly the phrase "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Both passages emphasize the importance of pure and right thinking. Philippians 4:8 lists positive attributes to focus on, while EGW discusses the need for cleanness of heart and bringing thoughts into obedience to Christ. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee."
Proverbs 23:7 states that a person is as they think in their heart. EGW echoes this principle by stating that moral purity depends on right thinking and acting, and that evil thoughts destroy the soul. The connection is a direct application of the proverb's principle.