Fear of missing out (FOMO) has been applied to material possessions and earthly relationships in previous articles. Looking at things from a different perspective, there are times when the fear of missing out is essential to our eternal well-being.
We should have a healthy fear of missing out on heaven. Our likeness to the ancient Israelites is a comparison often drawn in the pages of God’s word. The writer of the book of Hebrews warns against the disobedience of unbelief which prevented the children of Israel from entering into their rest – Canaan (Heb. 3:18-19). Canaan is a type of our eternal rest – heaven itself. So, in this letter, written to Christians who were being tempted to turn away from Christ and go back into Judaism, the inspired writer says, “Therefore, lest us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it” (Heb. 4:1).
Fear is a legitimate motive and has its place in our relationship with the Lord. Because of the Father’s impartial judgment, Peter tells us to “conduct [ourselves] in fear during the time of [our] stay on earth…” (1 Pet. 1:17). In light of the Lord’s promises and the potential for moral defilement, Paul encourages us to perfect “holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1).
While those in Christ have many reasons for confident assurance (e.g. Eph. 1:3, 7; 2 Pet. 1:10-11; 1 Jn. 1:7-9; 5:13; etc.), these do not eliminate the possibility of falling away from Christ (e.g. Heb. 4:1; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Pet. 2:20-21; etc.). We must live in a constant state of spiritual preparation (e.g. Mt. 24:44, 46; 1 Th. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10; etc.). Fear of missing out can be a powerful tool, pushing us in that direction. For, in the end, we do not want to be like the five foolish virgins – standing outside, knocking at the door – but too late for the coming of the bridegroom (Mt. 25:1-13).
— Glen Elliott —