Have you seen the great Bob Newhart video where he is a psychiatrist trying to help a patient get over her fear of being buried alive in a box? It’s a few years old, but it cracks me up every time I see it. Check it out here. It is six minutes well spent.
This is my third (and final for now) installment on the topic of the FOMO (fear of missing out) epidemic that has been running rampant through our culture. You can read the first two at drgerrylewis.com/fomo1 and drgerrylewis.com/fomo2.
I’ve talked about the prevalence of the ailment, admitted my own struggles, given some history of the term, and even pointed out that many of the opportunities that come to us are really good opportunities.
Last week, I even included the passage of Scripture that I can use to justify my overcommitment and my inability to push the no button. “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Make the most of every opportunity. My biggest fear is that I will miss out on an opportunity that God sent me. So, is FOMO simply a description of a fully devoted follower of Jesus wanting to fully live the life to which we are called?
The answer to that is a resounding NO!
If we will take a moment and look at the phrase within the context of just the three verses referenced, we can get three clues on how to keep FOMO from controlling our lives.
- Pay attention to your life patterns. The phrase be careful means to look at or pay attention to something. How you live refers to the patterns or habits of your life. Is your lifestyle one of consistent awareness and wise choices? When a new opportunity arises, pay attention to how it may affect the rhythm of your life.
- Pay attention to your life seasons and challenges. The phrase translated making the most of every opportunity may also be translated rescuing your season. Some translations say redeeming the time. A good opportunity may knock at a bad time. Having a strong sense of purpose for this season of life will help us prevent the burnout and disappointment that inevitably comes from trying to do everything. When a new opportunity arises, pay attention to how it may undermine your current focus.
- Pay attention to the revealed will of God. Understanding the Lord’s will is not nearly as mysterious as it sounds. Most of the time, when the Bible mentions God’s will, it is in reference to the development of Godly character, as described in the Bible, not to the completion of tasks. When a new opportunity arises, pay attention to how it may affect the progress you are making in becoming the person God made you to be. You can find more about my thoughts on God’s will at drgerrylewis.com/backporch.
Our lives matter so much to God that He does not want us living in fear of what we are missing, but in peaceful fulfillment of our identity as His children.
So, when FOMO rears its ugly head, just stop it!
