Panic hit me like a blow to the chest. I stomped on the brakes and pulled over. Car after car passed, leaving me no opportunity to turn around. Hands shaking, I prayed, “Please keep them safe. Please keep them safe.”

Don’t Leave Them Behind

A break in the traffic allowed me to turn around and head back to the house, five minutes away. Home, where I had left my children. How could I have forgotten them?

Five minutes later, I pulled into the driveway, slammed on the brakes, and ran for the front door. Still praying, I jerked open the door and yelled for my children. The front door slammed behind me, jerking me awake. 

Confused, I looked around my darkened bedroom. The children? No, I hadn’t left them. My heart rate slowed. My children were grown and gone. It was just a dream. A nightmare. 

Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left.

~Matthew 24:40 CSB

The same fear should penetrate my soul as I think of people left behind when Jesus comes for the church. Whenever I meet new people or spend time with friends and loved ones, is it important to share the gospel? If not, why? I know the way, so not sharing the way is criminal for a Christian. Jesus left us here to point others to Christ. But we must obey the mandate to go and tell.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

~John 14:6 CSB

Point Them to Christ

The only way to avoid leaving others behind is to give them the truth. Jesus is truth. The world seeks to derail the message with feel-good thoughts of tolerance and love. True love is introducing someone to Jesus and calling sin what it is. It’s not my standard, but God’s. I need to share truth in love regardless of how someone may feel when hearing it. I am responsible for sharing, not saving. The Holy Spirit will convict and transform those who repent. If they don’t hear, how can they know? If I don’t tell, how can they hear? 

The nightmare of leaving my children behind brought panic to my heart. Does the nightmare of leaving others behind without Jesus motivate you to share the gospel even more? Let’s recognize and seize every opportunity to point others to Christ. Don’t leave them behind. 

As you go through your day, be intentional about sharing your faith. Yours may be the instrument God uses to reach someone. Don’t let opportunities pass you by.

Lord, help me to keep sharing the message of Your love as I go about my day.  

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: Don’t Leave Them Behind: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved.