What about Galatians 6:1—“if a man be overtaken in sin, you who are spiritual…”? He didn’t say “you elders”—he didn’t say “you preachers”—he didn’t say “you Bible teachers.” Do you consider yourself to be “spiritual?” Would you be in that group? Then it’s your responsibility! Saving souls is not optional—it’s obligatory! And the soul you save might be your own! I don’t believe anybody goes to Heaven alone, not even a baby who dies in infancy, because people want to go to be where that baby is. Nor do I believe anybody goes to hell alone, either! If you go to Heaven, you’re going to take somebody with you! If you go to hell, you’re going to take somebody there, too! You don’t go to either Heaven or hell alone! Everybody is somebody’s big hero. Everybody wields an influence. In Acts 5:15, mention is made of “the shadow of Peter” overshadowing them, which really speaks of influence—and our “shadows of influence.” We have a great responsibility!

Let’s go after those people who have never become Christians. Let’s really do all we can to convert as many as possible. But, on the other hand, let’s be sure to realize the seriousness of anybody who has fallen by the wayside, regardless of why they fell.

I’d like to close with this: For the novelty of it, a fellow wanted to walk from the Golden Gate Bridge to New York City. After that long journey and how much time it took, he was being interviewed and he was asked, “What were some of the biggest problems along the way?” Well, he said it wasn’t the mountains that he had to climb. He said it wasn’t the hazards of the desert that he had to face. He said it wasn’t the rivers that he had to cross. It wasn’t the biting winds. But, he said, “It was sand in my shoes.” Sometimes it’s the little thing—sometimes just little grains of sand can throw us off course. Let’s be sure that we remain“steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,” [1 Corinthians 15:58]. It’s the finish that counts! When the Lord says, “Well done” [Matthew 25:21, 23], that will be at the end of the Way, not at the beginning!

Shall we pray: Holy Father, we’re grateful that by grace we have been saved and we’re grateful that while we couldn’t possibly work the thing out, You can, and You can work it through us. We’re grateful that we can be workers together with You, that we can be in partnership with You. We’re grateful that You have promised that through You, we can do all things. We’re grateful that You never give an assignment without giving assistance, and that where You guide, You provide. Help us to take seriously all of these passages that have to do with our part, and then give You the glory and praise for Your part. We pray, Father, that as we study these messages together, we will have a better understanding of not only Your part, but our part in being saved by grace. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.