How can a Christian avoid FOMO (fear of missing out)?

Answer

FOMO, or the fear of missing out, is the concern or unease a person experiences when they believe they are missing something thrilling or significant. In other words, FOMO is the apprehension that not participating is the incorrect decision. Christians may encounter this fear, just like anyone else; nevertheless, believers do not have to be governed by this fear of missing out.

There should be no FOMO when the event being missed involves sin. A Christian can find solace in understanding that opting out of sinful activities is always the right decision. The Bible states that sin creates a division between individuals and God «but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. », (Isaiah 59:2), even cautioning that those who engage in the deeds of the flesh will not inherit His kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21). Believers should not dread missing out on the potential enjoyment or thrill that sin offers because “the wages of sin is death” «For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.», (Romans 6:23). The “transient pleasures of sin” «choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; », (Hebrews 11:25) may be enticing, but Christians who reject sin are not truly missing out. They are new creations in Christ and no longer enslaved to sin «Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. », (2 Corinthians 5:17).

But Christians may still experience FOMO over non-sinful matters. A believer may fear missing out on experiences, opportunities, or joy. This feeling is exacerbated by a social media culture where people constantly post images of their “perfect” lives for the world to see. Such comparison to the lives of others is a thief of contentment and can lead to envy, unnecessary stress, and an attempt to always stay connected with what others are doing.

When Jesus spoke to Peter about his future ministry and death, Peter pointed to John and asked, “Lord, what about him?” «Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? », (John 21:21). Jesus told Peter, in so many words, not to worry about John’s life, but simply follow Him «Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. », (John 21:22). Like Peter, we should focus on our personal relationship with Christ and our duty to Him and be content with knowing God’s will for us. Gratitude to God will go a long way toward preventing a fear of missing out. Of course, coveting the blessings of our neighbors is never appropriate see Exodus 20:17.

The pressure to live life to the fullest and experience everything can cause anxiety, but a Christian does not have to worry; we can cast “all [our] anxieties on him, because he cares” «casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. », (1 Peter 5:7). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus prescribes a remedy for FOMO. He said to look at nature. The birds of the air and the grass of the field do not work, but God still makes sure they have everything they need, and Christians are much more valuable than birds or grass (Matthew 6:25-32). Therefore, a believer can trust that God will provide “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”, (Matthew 6:33). Our trust in God should extend past the basic necessities of life. God is in control, and His sovereignty guides every part of life, including our experiences and opportunities “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”, (Romans 8:28). If a Christian does miss out on something, he still has the assurance that God is orchestrating everything.

Believers should trust in God to control each day instead of worrying about what they may miss out on in the future: “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”, (Matthew 6:34). If a Christian takes life one day at a time, following God and trusting Him to provide exactly what is needed, he can overcome FOMO and serve God with joy.