F.O.M.O.

F.O.M.O. It’s a real thing. It stands for Fear Of Missing Out. According to Wikipedia, it is “the feeling of apprehension that one is either not in the know about or missing out on information, events, experiences, or life decisions that could make one’s life better.”

In a world with constant activities, the latest fashions to buy, shows to binge, people to hang out with, apps to scroll, and ads begging for your attention everywhere you look it can be a challenge to decide what to do with our time and how to spend our finances. As a mother of three ranging in age from 9-20, I am often pulled in many directions as I try to balance work, family, kids’ activities, and friends. I find that there is not enough calendar for all the things I want to do or be part of.

As Christians, we have the unique opportunity to flip the switch on phenomenon such as F.O.M.O. If the Kingdom of God is upside down from the kingdom of this world, wouldn’t it make sense that as sinful, selfish people, we probably have a selfish view of how to spend our time? What if instead of having a fear of missing out on what the world is calling us to, we fear missing out on what the Father is calling us to?

For example, what if instead of judging someone who has a different perspective or backs a political candidate we don’t like, God is calling us to see them through His eyes or to have a conversation about the saving work of His Son? What if instead of avoiding eye contact with our unbelieving neighbor, we invite them to a casual bonfire with our friends where everyone can get to know one another? What if God is calling us to make a meal and take it to a family that is facing a trial or a widow that could use someone to stop by for dinner even though it will be time-consuming and possibly inconvenient?

The first part of the Great Commission commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19). This requires us to “go” into the mission field, which is everywhere non-believers can be found, and lovingly tell them of the saving news of Jesus Christ.

The Great Commission also commands us to make disciples of these believers, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20a). This could look like inviting others to join you at the Bible study you attend or starting a LifeGroup with those you would like to get to know better at church. Better yet, share your faith with an unbelieving friend or family member and ask if they would be willing to read the Bible with you. Meet for coffee to read a chapter and discuss what it means.

Why does God call us to love our neighbors as ourselves by sharing the gospel and discipling them in their faith journey? Because ^“…. God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17). God doesn’t just love us; He loves the WORLD! Because of His love for us, He wants everyone to accept His gift of salvation which can be found in Jesus.

Every minute of every day, the Lord is working. By giving us the Great Commission, God is calling us to join Him in His work. He calls us to see those who are unseen, mourn with those who weep, and humbly serve those in need. It comes down to our willingness to be obedient to things He is calling us to. 

God’s sovereign will is going to be completed whether or not we step into what He is inviting us to be part of, and when we say “yes” to His call, we reap the benefits and blessings that come with obedience such as experiencing the sanctifying (transforming) work He does in our lives when we trust Him. If we ignore His call, we miss out on witnessing Him at work. We miss out on seeing God’s power. We miss out on experiencing His faithfulness. We miss out on growing deeper in our relationship with Him.

We are reminded of this in James when he says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:22). God asks us to live out our faith by putting into action what we learn in His word, not only for the benefit of others but for the benefit of ourselves.

For many of us, fall is a season when our schedules become full and the options of what to do with our time are abundant. Work, family, activities, and friends are all good things, but let them not distract us from The One Good Thing. Rather than fear missing out on the things of this world, let us fear missing out on all that God has for us and others.

To God be the glory.