A few weeks ago, an article appeared here concerning the overuse of the smartphone and the subsequent loss of time spent in prayer and Bible study, and with family and friends. I believe some have let this device steal their hearts, similarly to how Absalom stole the hearts of his countrymen away from his father, king David (2 Samuel 15:1-6). As we continue to examine this topic, let us look at a certain fear that describes people's feelings with regards to social networking sights.
It goes by the acronym, FoMO, that is, the "fear of missing out." This phrase has been around long before the internet, but it has recently become more prevalent with our advanced technology, so much so that the Oxford Dictionary added this acronym in 2013. This so-called fear stimulates people to compulsively check their social media accounts throughout the day. It creates what health officials say is a problematic attachment to social media.
Being able to get news from family or friends in a way that is faster than the postal system can be a good thing. This article is not a strict condemnation of social media; it can be used for good. Rather it is to move us to examine our own behavior to see if we may have succumbed to this "fear of missing out," which is not healthy physically nor spiritually. For we are not to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6), nor is this spirit of fear from God (2 Timothy 1:7).
Though smartphones were not around in Bible times, the preacher said "... there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9 NKJV). For there were some in the church of Thessalonica who exhibited similar compulsive behavior. The apostle Paul wrote to them saying, For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11). Webster's defines a busybody as "an officious or inquisitive person." In other words, some were being meddlesome and improperly curious about the affairs of others. Would that be a good description of today's "fear of missing out?"
The apostle had also written earlier to this church saying, that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). This "quiet life" describes not so much our speech, but rather the state of our lives. If such is our state, we are walking "properly" according to the Lord. We do not have a void to constantly fill because we "lack nothing." Are you and your family leading a quiet life?
Thankfully, there is another acronym that has come into use that is the opposite of FoMO. It is JoMO - the "joy of missing out." I believe the psalmist knew of this joy: Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forever (Psalm 131). Do you have the joy of a calmed and quieted soul? Check your screen time.
Brotherly, Jamie
