We live in a time when life seems to demand a lot of hype and new ideologies from every corner. Many claim to be Christian influencers but fail to teach according to biblical principles. We desire to achieve so much; we want higher salaries to acquire more material possessions. We don’t want to miss out on the latest trends, news, and other things. We complain about small salaries, not having the latest gadgets, or not being in relationships. We often desire these things to prove that we are living the best life, so we grind away, pushing ourselves beyond our strength and time just to obtain what we want—even at the cost of our peace, joy, health, and time with our loved ones.
Many young adults have also lost sight of discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism because of the countless distractions the world offers. The fear of missing out on worldly pursuits has pulled many away from their spiritual calling. Some say, "I already did that when I was a younger Christian," but that excuse doesn’t hold up. Others claim they are too busy with their careers, believing the Lord will bless them as long as they remain faithful givers in the church. (Hold on—each of us has a unique purpose, but we are not only called to do church-related things. We are called to share Christ wherever we are, not to compartmentalize our Christianity.)
Some prioritize starting a family and argue that spiritual matters aren’t important right now, especially if their family is in chaos. Others feel overwhelmed by life’s burdens and say they need to “find themselves” first. Some believe their broken hearts must heal before they can come to church.
In this busy and distracted world, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on what truly matters—our faith, our purpose, and our connection to God and others. We don’t want to miss out on the world so much that it’s okay to miss out on His Word. As believers, we are called to miss the world to receive the beautiful promise He has prepared for us.
If you are using those feel-good, quoted Bible verses on social media and think that it already counts as your quiet time—without even opening your Bible—you’re missing out on His Word. If you have more plans for your future but don’t take the time to seek His plans for you, you’re missing out on His Word. If you’re so focused on staying updated with everything happening around you that you fail to pray and have fellowship with other believers, you’re missing out on His Word. If you’re too busy wandering and preparing for the future that you forget to live in the present and savor the life He has given you, you’re missing out on His Word. And if you keep following the desires of your heart, your flesh, and your eyes instead of listening to the Holy Spirit, you’re missing out on His Word.
Many of us chase the hype and excitement that the world offers, and in doing so, we lose the ability to find true joy and peace in sitting at His feet. We forget the peace that surpasses understanding, the joy that remains even in times of discouragement or when we have little. Many of us fear missing out on the world so much that we’re willing to let the cost be missing out on His Word. We no longer want to pray, to sit with fellow believers, to give our time and presence, to share in each other’s burdens, or to celebrate together.
What if, instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media for validation from our feelings, we diligently read the Bible page by page to find restoration from the Lord and let go of our self-centeredness? What if, instead of working overtime late into the night, we chose to miss some of those hours to have dinner with our family, attend a prayer meeting, and pray for the church? What if, instead of constantly worrying about whether we’ll succeed or marry the right person, we fixed our eyes on Jesus and aimed to be more like Him, even if we don’t succeed in the world’s eyes?
What if missing the world means gaining more of His Word, knowing His desires and heart, and slowly discovering more of who He is? What if, by missing the world and letting go of all the hopes we have for it, we find perfect fulfillment in knowing that we have Christ and that we are forgiven? What if missing the world means forgetting the fleeting happiness it offers, and instead desiring holiness and sanctification?
I often struggle with the fear of missing out, especially when others criticize me for not having certain things as a young adult, implying that I should achieve specific milestones by a certain age. However, I’ve come to realize that I am not truly missing out on anything when I prioritize seeking Him first. This focus is something that will never be lost to me—everything else will be added when I seek His righteousness. By remaining in His love and following His Word, I will bear much fruit because I am connected to the Father.
Young adults, perhaps we don’t need to chase more hype and adventures just to avoid missing out. As much as we hate the idea of settling because it sounds dull, the world encourages us to seek adventures and indulge in all the pleasures it offers. But what if settling is the best thing to do—to remain in His love, obey His commands, and fix our eyes on Jesus?
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
