"Saved by Effort for Another A working church is a growing church. The members find a stimulus and a tonic in helping others. I have read of a man who, journeying on a winter's day through deep drifts of snow, became benumbed by the cold, which was almost imperceptibly freezing his vital powers. He was nearly chilled to death, and was about to give up the struggle for life, when he heard the moans of a fellow-traveler, who was also perishing with cold. His sympathy was aroused, and he determined to rescue him. He chafed the ice-cold limbs of the unfortunate man, and after considerable effort raised him to his feet. As the sufferer could not stand, he bore him in sympathizing arms through the very drifts he had thought he could never get through alone. GW 198"
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
EGW's story illustrates the principle of bearing one another's burdens, as described in Galatians 6:2. The act of helping another person in need, even when one is struggling themselves, embodies the essence of fulfilling the law of Christ through mutual support.
"“This incident may be applicable in some cases, and in others not. But many pastors fail in not knowing how, or in not trying, to get the full membership of the church actively engaged in the various departments of church work. If pastors would give more attention to getting and keeping their flock actively engaged at work, they would accomplish more good, have more time for study and religious visiting, and also avoid many causes of friction.” GW 198.1"
"Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens: And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee."
This EGW passage directly references the principle of delegation of responsibility found in Exodus 18:21-22, applying it to the pastor's role in engaging church members in various activities. The passage explicitly connects the biblical example to the modern church context.
"Some, through inexperience, will make mistakes, but they should be kindly shown how they can do their work better. Thus the pastor can be educating men and women to bear responsibilities in the good work that is suffering so much for want of laborers. We need men who can take responsibilities; and the best way for them to gain the experience they need, is to engage with heart and mind in the work. GW 198.2"
"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
Both passages discuss the importance of training and entrusting responsibilities to faithful individuals so they can teach and lead others. EGW's passage focuses on the practical aspect of providing opportunities for inexperienced individuals to learn and grow, which aligns with the principle of entrusting responsibilities to faithful men as mentioned in 2 Timothy.