"Economy in Mission Work Laborers for God must work with intelligence, frugality, and humility. There are those who undertake too much, and by so doing accomplish little. Our efforts must be more concentrated. Every stroke must tell. The mind must be active to discern the best ways and means of reaching the people near us. In an effort to do a work at a distance from us, we often let opportunities within our reach slip away. Thus time and means are lost in both places. GW 458"
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
Both passages emphasize faithfulness and responsibility in handling resources, whether small or large. EGW applies this principle to mission work, while Luke 16:10 states the general principle.
"Our missionary workers must learn to economize. The largest reservoir, though fed by abundant and living springs, will fail to supply the demand if there are leakages which drain off the supply. It must not be left for one man to decide whether a certain field will warrant large efforts. If the workers in one field so fashion the work as to incur large expenses, they are barring the way so that other important fields—fields which perhaps would better warrant the outlay—cannot be entered. GW 458.2"
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
Both passages emphasize the importance of careful planning and resource management before undertaking a task. EGW applies this to missionary work, while Luke 14:28 uses the analogy of building a tower.
"Our younger laborers must be content to work their way among the people slowly and surely, under the advice of those who have had more experience. The ideas of many are too high. A more humble manner of working would show good results. It is encouraging to see the young enter the missionary field, enlisting all their ardor and zeal in the work; but they must not be left to manage for themselves, and keep the cause of God weighed down with debt. All should strive by wise management and earnest labor to gather enough to pay their own expenses. They should labor to make the cause self-sustaining, and should teach the people to rely upon themselves. GW 458.3"
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
Both passages emphasize humility and submission to those with more experience, particularly for younger individuals. EGW applies this to younger laborers in the missionary field, while 1 Peter 5:5 speaks more generally.