FOMO is an acronym for the “fear of missing out.” As mentioned last week, the “fear of missing out” can leave us with a gnawing sense of discontent. FOMO can also have a profound effect on our attitude toward the worship assembly.
For many years, churches of Christ were known for a strong “seek first His kingdom” (Mt. 6:33) and “forsake not the assembly” (Heb. 10:25) mentality as it pertains to the first day of the week and our responsibility to worship the Lord “in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:24). Even Sunday nights and Wednesday nights were set aside by the shepherds as much needed appointments for prayer, study, and fellowship.
But, judging from declining attendance, especially on Sunday and Wednesday nights, “fear of missing out” may have had a negative impact on church attendance. More and more congregations are abandoning the Sunday night/Wednesday night format altogether. This does not mark apostate congregations because congregations of the Lord’s church are self-governing (1 Pet. 5:2).
However, declining attendance among those who could be and should be present when the church meets raises some questions about our “fear of missing out.” Does our “fear of missing out” on time spent visiting with family and friends cause us to absent ourselves from the worship services of the church? Is our “fear of missing out” on ball games and recreational pursuits the reason why we are absent from the worship services of the church? Shouldn’t these, instead, be opportunities for us to share our commitment to Jesus Christ?
One of the tragic consequences of COVID isolation is that, while we have resumed everyday life in many respects, there remains a lingering effect – a tendency to delay spiritual responsibilities in preference to short-term pleasure. Live streaming our services is for the benefit of members who are truly unable to be present for worship as well as a means of reaching out to the lost. It was never intended to enable members to side-step worship and Bible study opportunities out of “fear of missing out” on something else in this life.
— Glen Elliott —