Do You Have FOMO?

Have you heard of FOMO? This is the acronym for “fear of missing out.” It describes the unsettling and increasingly pervasive feeling that we’re missing out on something.  For some it’s the fear of not being invited to party or social event. For others it might be the fear that their children are going to miss out on something that they perceive will enhance their kid’s development, success, or well-being (and their own vicarious satisfaction). FOMO can also rear its ugly head in the workplace when you see a meeting taking place and you wonder why you weren’t invited. Social media sites like Facebook have only helped to increase the stress and anxiety produced by FOMO because if you’re worried that everyone else is doing something cool without you, there are pictures to prove it!

Our reading this past Sunday about “Doubting” Thomas has got me to thinking about FOMO. As John describes the events that took place when Jesus appeared to his frightened disciples on the evening of his resurrection from the dead, John says this: But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. (John 20:24 NRSV) Where was he? Could it be that Thomas had a case of FOMO? Perhaps Thomas felt the need to be somewhere else, other than with his fellow disciples? Was there another gathering of friends and neighbors he was attending? And then there was his response when he heard that he missed seeing Jesus: ²⁵ So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe." (John 20:25 NRSV) He wanted the experience that everyone else had…the one he missed. 

As I see it, one of the real dangers of FOMO is that in our efforts to not miss out on anything, we’re missing out on way too much. Our pursuits only leave us feeling incomplete and unsatisfied. We’re driven to distraction and busyness. I’ve watched way too many families get spread way too thin by everyday demands, let alone the optional activities that have them running themselves ragged. There’s little margin for life. FOMO not only sucks away time, but it also drains resources. Advertisers have mastered the art of FOMO. Can someone say iWatch? 

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." (John 20:26 NRSV) In many ways, this description fits a community gathered for worship. It is in that sacred time and place that the risen Jesus meets us with a word of peace. As the weather gets warmer and lives get busier, remember that it is in the worshiping community that remember who God is and who we are. In our encounter with the risen Jesus in Word and sacrament, we encounter perfect love which casts out all fear. 

Michael Peck, Sr. Pastor