connections Bible verses EGW passages
Show
Page 459
"Our ministers should not feel at liberty to pay large sums for halls in which to hold meetings, when they do not feel the burden of following up the interest by personal labor. The results are too uncertain to warrant the using of means so rapidly. If churches and halls are opened to any of the laborers, and there is a desire to hear, they should embrace the opportunity, and do the best they can; but it is not wisdom for a single individual to strike out as if he had some great talent, as if he were a Moody or a Sankey, and make a lavish outlay of means. GW 459.1"
Related principle 80% Luke 14:28
"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 ministers renting halls, while Luke 14:28 uses the analogy of building a tower.
"Our laborers must learn to exercise economy, not only in their efforts to advance the cause of truth, but in their home expenses. They should place their families where they can be cared for at as little expense as possible. Donations and bequests do not come to our work as they do to other denominations; and those who have not educated themselves to live within their means, will surely have to do this, or else engage in some other employment. Habits of self-indulgence, or a want of tact and skill on the part of the wife and mother, may be a constant drain upon the treasury; and yet that mother may think she is doing her best, because she has never been taught to restrict her wants or the wants of her children, and has never acquired skill and tact in household matters. Hence one family may require for its support twice the amount that would suffice for another family of the same size. GW 459.3"
Likely biblical basis 85% Luke 14:28
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"
This verse speaks to the importance of calculating the cost before undertaking a task, which aligns with the call for laborers to exercise economy and live within their means.

Bible → Ellen White

Select a Bible book from the sidebar to discover how Ellen White's writings amplify, cite, and expand on Scripture.