"Business Meetings In all our business meetings, as well as our social and religious meetings, we want Jesus by our side as a guide and counselor. There will be no tendency to lightness where the presence of the Saviour is recognized. Self will not be made prominent. There will be a realization of the importance of the work that is to be done. There will be a desire that the plans to be laid may be directed by Him who is mighty in counsel. GW 446"
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the idea of Jesus being present when people gather, echoing the core message of Matthew 18:20. The context of business meetings makes it an application of the principle.
"Could our eyes but be opened, we should behold angels of heaven in our assemblies. Could we but realize this, there would be no desire to hold to our own opinions upon unimportant points, which so often retard the progress of the meeting and the work. If there were more real praying done, if there were more solemn consideration given to weighty matters, the tone of our business meetings would be changed, elevated. All would feel that the assembly had met to lay plans for the advancement of the work, and that the object of the work is only to save souls. GW 446.2"
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
The EGW passage emphasizes avoiding personal opinions and strife in meetings, which directly reflects the principle of humility and considering others better than oneself as stated in Philippians 2:3.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
The EGW passage speaks of angels being present in assemblies, which aligns with the concept of ministering spirits in Hebrews 1:14. While not a direct quote, the theme of angelic presence and their role is clearly paralleled.
"All that we do and all that we say is transferred to the books of heaven. Let us not be guilty of bringing down God's work to the level of common business transactions. Our standard must be high; our minds must be elevated. GW 446.3"
"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment."
Both passages address the accountability for words and actions. Matthew 12:36 speaks of accounting for idle words, while EGW speaks of actions and words being recorded in heaven. The theme of accountability is present in both.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
The EGW passage encourages elevating the standard of God's work, which aligns with the principle of doing everything to the glory of God as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31. The idea of a high standard connects directly to glorifying God in all actions.
"There are always a few who think, when their brethren are pulling forward, that it is their duty to pull back. They object to everything that is proposed, and make war on every plan that they have not themselves originated. Here is an opportunity for persons to develop inordinate self-confidence. They have never learned in the school of Christ the precious and all-important lesson of becoming meek and lowly. There is nothing harder for those who possess a strong will than to give up their own way, and submit to the judgment of others. It is difficult for such to become teachable, gentle, and easy to be entreated. GW 446.4"
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
EGW directly references the concept of being meek and lowly, which is central to Matthew 11:29. The passage amplifies the idea of learning from Christ's meekness.
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
The EGW passage discusses not insisting on one's own way and submitting to the judgment of others, which aligns with the principle of Philippians 2:4, which encourages looking out for the interests of others, not just oneself.