FOMO: Are You Afraid of Missing What Matters Most?

FOMO: Are You Afraid of Missing What Matters Most?

Fear of Missing Out.

Most people know it simply as FOMO.

It’s the pressure that tells us we need to be everywhere, do everything, and never miss an
opportunity. It drives schedules, fills calendars, and often leaves people exhausted trying to
keep up.

For many adults today, life feels nonstop. Between work, sports, school activities, family
responsibilities, and endless commitments, many people find themselves feeling too busy for
God.

But what if we’re afraid of missing the wrong things?

What if we’re spending our lives chasing things that matter least while missing what matters
most?

That was the challenge behind this message as we celebrated an incredible week of Mega
Sports Camp and reflected on what truly lasts.

Some Things End Up in Boxes

The message began with memories of sports trophies, home run balls, football awards, and
achievements from years gone by. Those moments mattered. They were meaningful.

But eventually, most of them ended up packed away in boxes.

What remained wasn’t a trophy.

It was a Bible.

It was prayer.

It was the memory of parents who prioritized God’s presence.

It was the example of a father who woke up early to spend time with God before work and a
family that consistently put Jesus first.

Because while accomplishments fade, what God does in a person’s life lasts forever.

Feeling Too Busy for God Comes at a Cost

One of the greatest challenges facing families today isn’t necessarily rebellion.
It’s distraction.

Good things become crowded things.

Activities become priorities.

Schedules become packed.

And before long, many people are not intentionally walking away from God—they’re simply
feeling too busy for God.

The danger is that we can spend years pursuing things that are temporary while neglecting the
things that are eternal.

Not because those activities are sinful.

But because they’ve taken the place of what matters most.

John Stayed Close to Jesus

The Apostle John gives us a powerful example.

Scripture describes John leaning against Jesus during the Last Supper. He positioned himself
close enough to hear the heartbeat of Christ.

John sat where others would not sit.

That wasn’t accidental.

Intimacy requires intentionality.

The same is true today.

If we want a close relationship with Jesus, we have to create space for Him.

Relationships grow through time spent together.

And our relationship with God is no different.

John Stood When Others Ran

When Jesus was crucified, many of the disciples fled.

John stayed.

He stood at the foot of the cross when others chose safety.

Standing for Jesus has never been easy.

Yet every generation faces moments where believers must decide whether they will stay close
to Christ or drift with the crowd.

John chose faithfulness.

And because of that decision, he witnessed things others missed.

John Said What Others Would Not Say

John was never afraid to proclaim Jesus.

His life consistently pointed people toward Christ.

In a world full of competing voices, followers of Jesus are still called to speak truth with love and
conviction.

Not because truth is popular.

But because truth matters.

John Served Where Others Would Not Serve

At the cross, Jesus entrusted His mother Mary into John’s care.

Why?

Because John was present.

He was available.

He was faithful.

He stayed close enough to be trusted with responsibility.

Often the greatest opportunities God gives us come through simple faithfulness.

Showing up.

Serving.

Being available when He calls.

John Saw What Others Never Saw

Because John remained close to Jesus, he experienced things few others did.

He stood at the cross.

He was present in the upper room.

He witnessed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

And later, God gave him the Revelation of Jesus Christ while he was exiled on Patmos.

John saw what others missed because he stayed close to Jesus.

The same principle still applies.

People who stay close to Jesus see life differently.

They see purpose.

They see hope.

They see God’s hand moving even when others cannot.

The Real Fear Should Be Missing God’s Presence

The world constantly tells us to fear missing opportunities.

But Scripture challenges us to fear missing something greater.

Missing God’s presence.

Missing intimacy with Jesus.

Missing what God wants to do in our lives.

Because at the end of the day, trophies fade.

Schedules change.

Activities end.

But the presence of God remains.

Closing

Everyone misses something.

No one can do everything.

The question is not whether you’ll miss something.

The question is:

What are you afraid of missing?

Because if we spend our lives chasing things that matter least, we may miss what matters most.

But if we stay close to Jesus, we’ll never miss what truly matters.