Biblical Answer

My friend, I can sense the weight of your concern as you consider leaving your family behind. As a pastor, I've seen many people grapple with this very issue. The desire to be with loved ones, to provide for them and care for them, is a natural and noble impulse. However, as Christians, we must also consider the will of God and the potential consequences of our actions.

In the passage you shared, Jesus says, "Let the dead bury their own dead" (Matthew 8:22). This doesn't mean that we should abandon our families, but rather that we should prioritize our spiritual responsibilities and not allow temporal concerns to distract us from our eternal calling. As I've prayed over this issue, I've come to realize that my responsibility is not to my family's earthly well-being, but to their spiritual salvation. If I'm called to leave, I must trust that God will provide for them, just as He has provided for me.

But, I must ask, have you considered that God may be calling you to leave your family behind in order to prepare them for your return? As the passage suggests, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Perhaps, by leaving, you will be able to focus on your spiritual growth and return to your family with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of God's will. I encourage you to seek guidance from Scripture and prayer, and to trust that God will guide you in this difficult decision.