FOMO—the fear of missing out—has become a defining acronym of our age. It often surfaces when we’re forced to make some of life’s biggest decisions. Should I go or should I stay? Should I accept or should I decline? Should I buy or should I sell? The fear of missing out is real.
FOMO has a close first cousin, YOLO. In our fear of missing out we also expeditiously remember that you only live once (YOLO). Consequently, we’re tempted to seize every opportunity, experience every adventure, and pursue every desire. With only one ride through life, we might as well stop and enjoy all the attractions, right?
Not necessarily.
To no one’s surprise, FOMO and YOLO are responsible for many troubles.
Allow me to offer an alternative, advantageous acronym: JOMO—the joy of missing out.
While the Bible certainly speaks of blessings we don’t want to miss, it speaks even more often of dangers we should gladly avoid.
One that comes to mind is tucked away in 1 Timothy. Paul reminds the aspiring preacher (who would be ministering in Ephesus—a very affluent, influential, educated city), “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Timothy 6: 10, NIV)
Money is amoral. It’s neither good nor bad. It’s just a tool. The love of money, however, leads any socioeconomic demographic to demise. “Piercing” oneself “with many griefs” should be enough fuel to “miss out” on the “love of money.” The “harmful desires” mentioned in the previous verse (1 Timothy 6: 9)should also be a great motivator to miss this mess. When money becomes our master, we open pandora’s box of sorrows.
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