"Development and Service Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements, requires men who are more than weaklings. GW 290"
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
The EGW passage directly refers to the 'narrow path' and the need to press on through difficulties, which is a clear allusion to Matthew 7:14.
"Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed; men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers; men whose hearts are warm with Christian love, and whose hands are strong to do their Master's work. GW 290.2"
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
Both passages emphasize the need for strength and courage in the Christian life. 1 Corinthians 16:13 urges believers to 'quit you like men, be strong,' while the EGW passage calls for 'men of stamina' who will inspire others and do their Master's work.
"Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something,—the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power. GW 290.3"
"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."
Both passages address the need for a balance of seemingly contradictory qualities in Christian service. Matthew 10:16 advises being 'wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,' while the EGW passage calls for both gentleness and courage, passive and active virtues.