Christian FOMO

By Kamryn Weaver

What is “FOMO?”

Generally, FOMO stands for “fear of missing out.” But what does it capture for a Christian? The fear of missing a church service or devotion? Probably not. More likely, the Christian feels FOMO when he has to miss things because of his faith. FOMO is the desire to fit in. be accepted, and go with the crowd.
In other words, Christians feel FOMO in temptation. We watch others having fun and want to join them, even if we know it’s sinful. Our flesh cries that it would be easier to go along with everyone else instead of deviating for our faith. We’re all susceptible, and sadly, most don’t fight the FOMO, giving it up as a losing battle.

Jesus felt temptation too.

One could argue that He didn’t face the same temptations that we do every day. Technically, that’s correct. He didn’t live in a time with TikTok and Instagram, or dates and cliquish friend groups. But all temptation falls under three categories, listed in I John 2: 16:

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Jesus didn’t just face these challenges in His earthly life. He overcame them at one of His lowest points when they came from the father of temptation himself. In Matthew 4 and Luke 4. we see detailed accounts of how He overcame His fleshly desires.

After His baptism by John the Baptist, Jesus went into the wildemess and was met by Satan, who tempted Jesus by pointing out three ways He could sate His flesh. We’ll use the text in Luke 4.

“And the devil said unto Him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. “

Luke 4:3

He was first tempted with the lust of the flesh. He had been in the desert for 40 days without food, using the time to fast and pray about His upcoming ministry. Satan reminded Him that he could break His fast by simply summoning bread from the stones. He was the Son of God, wasn’t He?

This is how Satan tempts. He catches us at a weak moment and pushes us to sate our desires on things we aren’t meant to consume. This doesn’t just go for hunger; drunkenness, financial gain, sexual desires, and more fall under this category. We accept defeat before we even begin to fight, because “We’re only human, after all.” Our flesh wants something unhealthy, something we shouldn’t be satisfied with, instead of the good, wholesome things it can thrive from: God’s Word. prayer, and the fellowship of His people.

Jesus responds in the next verse by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3.

“And Jesus answered him, saying. It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”

Luke 4:4

Jesus knew His law, and used it as a weapon against temptation. This is how we overcome the lust of the flesh. The Bible teaches us how to overcome every sin that’s thrown our way; it’s our weapon, as Paul says. The more we study it, the stronger we become.

Satan came back with another temptation in the next verses.

“And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him. All this power will I give thee. and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.”

Luke 4:5-7

Here we see the cunning serpent that fooled Eve with the lust of the eyes in Genesis. Jesus is destined to win Satan’s dominion from him, as seen throughout Old Testament prophecies. At that time, though, He was a poor Man from Nazareth, alone in the desert. Those who waited for the Messiah expected a King or a Warrior to free them from oppression. Satan offered instant reward his way, only requiring that Jesus show submission to him.

As Christians, we’re often jaded waiting for God’s plans to play out. We’re following God, so where is the reward and joy He promised us? We then decide we’ve figured out God’s plan. and use this as permission to pursue something He might not want for us. We desire instant gratification. Satan plays on our impatience, offering us ways for quick satisfaction that will leave us empty and questioning our trust in God.

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Luke 4:8

Jesus again combats the devil with Scripture, this time quoting Deuteronomy 6: 13 . Not only does He establish His authority over Satan, but He also directs us to serve God. Serving God keeps us from being idle and impatient, and helps us wait for God’s will to come to pass. As the old saying goes, “empty hands are the devil’s workshop.” If we begin to feel jaded with waiting for God, we’ve become spiritually idle. Are we pursuing God as we should? Are we spending time in fellowship with Him and other Christians? Are we looking to Him fully for direction? We must keep in mind that God will always work in our lives and make them even better than we could have imagined.

Satan had one last trick up his sleeve:

“And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at arty time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” (vs. 9-11)

Here we see the pride of life. Satan quoted Psalm 91, stating that Jesus had divine protection, so He could be as reckless as He wanted without fear of the consequences. Satan doesn’t simply state Scripture isn’t true; rather, he makes us twist it to fit our own interests. Many Christians today use certain Scriptures as permission to go on living in sin.

“Grace will cover it.”

“Jesus forgave the tax collectors.”

“His love is unconditional, right?”

We start believing we’re entitled to a constant cycle of sin-and-forgive with no attempt at growth. With this convoluted doctrine, we erode our faith and the faith of those around us.

Jesus, quoting Deuteronomy 6: 16, gives His final rebuke in verse 12:

“And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.”

It’s a simple statement. By jumping off the temple, Jesus would have risked being cut from God’s plan. God could choose not to rescue Him. Likewise. we must keep in mind that God can give us long-lasting consequences for a single sin. however small. He won’t send His children to Hell, but we’ll reap the consequences of our disobedience, whether it be an earthly punishment or missing out on God’s will for our lives. Obeying God’s Word and following His lead in our lives will always be the better path.

Satan eventually gave up on tempting Jesus. The devil was simply outlasted. Look at what happens after he leaves in Matthew’s account:

“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Matthew 4:11

God gave Him comfort and respite after standing in His trial. When we resist temptation and stay on God’s course, He will comfort and care for us. as a father comforts his children. Though Jesus was cared for by angels. Luke’s account says that the devil “departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:13). Satan wasn’t going to leave Jesus alone forever. He never quits tempting, twisting, and tantalizing God’s children, though he may pause for a time. But, in verse 14, Luke says that “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee.” Jesus came back from the wilderness stronger than He had ever been before. Likewise, outlasted temptations leave us stronger, smarter, and bolder, strengthening our faith and making us lean more heavily on God. As we grow spiritually, we face more temptation and become stronger in faith, serving as a testimony and encouragement to those around us.

So let’s fight back against FOMO. With Scripture and faith, we can equip ourselves and others to fight the challenges of the devil and stand even when it seems all others fall.

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