"Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man's being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And, in order that the Lord's work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together. GW 487.2"
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."
Both passages emphasize the importance of unity and interconnectedness within the Christian community. 1 Corinthians 12:12 uses the analogy of the body with many members to illustrate the need for interdependence, while the EGW passage argues against individual independence and stresses the need for God's people to 'draw together.' The shared theme of unity and interdependence justifies the connection.
"The spasmodic, fitful movements of some who claim to be Christians are well represented by the work of strong but untrained horses. When one pulls forward, another pulls back; at the voice of their master one plunges ahead, and the other stands immovable. If men will not move in concert in the great and grand work for this time, there will be confusion. It is not a good sign when men refuse to unite with their brethren, and prefer to act alone. Let laborers take into their confidence the brethren who are free to point out every departure from right principles. If men wear the yoke of Christ, they cannot pull apart; they will draw with Christ. GW 487.3"
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle of agreement and unity necessary for effective collaboration, mirroring the sentiment in Amos 3:3. The horse analogy vividly portrays the consequences of disunity.