There’s an unquenchable passion, a Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), placed in our hearts by God Himself. It’s an essential part of our spiritual journey that drives us to desire more of Him and His work in our lives. The world may divert this feeling, causing us to believe that it’s about missing out on pleasures of the flesh. However, the divine intent of FOMO is to trigger our longing for the fullness of God’s blessings.
Today, I’d like to challenge you to revisit the true nature of FOMO, as given to us by our Creator. The Apostle Paul urges us in Romans 12:2 (NIV), “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation involves recognizing the divine nature of our FOMO, not as a worldly fear but as a deep desire for God’s will.
FOMO, I believe, is a divine mechanism that fosters a fear of our children missing out on being Christ-centered world changers. Are we, as parents, ready to do whatever it takes to guide our children towards Christ?
FOMO, too, can influence how we treat our spouses. Perhaps, we should fear missing out on our wives becoming the women that God has called them to be. This fear could replace any tendencies towards mistreatment or impatience with our wives. As Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) reminds us, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
Reflecting on this from another perspective, we should fear missing out on upholding a good name, for Proverbs 22:1 (NIV) says, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Let us ensure that when we step out into the world, we do so as ambassadors for Christ.
Ultimately, FOMO can lead us to fear missing out on hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). This desire serves as a reminder that we will stand before God one day.
But unfortunately, our old nature often obstructs this divine FOMO, prioritizing self-gratification over pursuing Christ, becoming a Christ-centered father, husband, leader, or individual. I urge you today to consider what God truly wants you to not miss out on.
This brings us to the Biblical story of Deborah and Barak in Judges chapter 4. It’s a story that underscores the notion of ‘true’ FOMO, an appeal to our God-given drive to be men and women of God.
Israel, under the rule of Jabin, King of Canaan, and his commander Sisera, suffered oppression. God used Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, to deliver a divine command to Barak: God had chosen him to lead an army against Sisera and promised victory. However, Barak hesitated and insisted on Deborah’s physical presence in the battle, despite the divine assurance.
This hesitation cost Barak his glory. Despite the eventual victory, the honor of triumph went to a woman, Jael, who defeated Sisera. Barak’s story serves as a reminder that when we fail to act on God’s call immediately, we miss out on the glory that could be ours.
Barak’s story is not just about him but about each one of us. It serves as a mirror, reflecting how often we might have missed out on God’s glory due to our hesitation or need for a security blanket.