“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

This was Jesus’ response to scoffers who disapproved of Him interacting with the “sinner” Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector. In Jesus’ day, tax collectors were especially corrupt. They took bribes and kept some of their collections for themselves. The Jews’ contempt for tax collectors was compounded because they took money from their fellow Jews for the Roman government.

But Jesus assured the scoffers that Zacchaeus was exactly the type of person with whom He wanted to commune. Jesus did good works during His earthly ministry, but His primary reason for coming to Earth was to retrieve lost people.

To be “lost” implies that the person is missing out. We all have a fear of missing out. I’ve heard there’s even an acronym for it: F.O.M.O. or “Fear of Missing Out”. But missing out on the life God has for us is so much worse than missing out on the latest social event or party.

God doesn’t want us to waste our potential living disoriented and confused seeking to be included in the plans of a fickle world. The purpose God has for us is inextricably connected to fellowship with Christ. We must abide in Him for revelation of our true purpose. Only then will we lose the fear of missing out and live a truly abundant life.

Jesus wants to commune with you too. He wants to give your life purpose so you’re not concerned with missing out on the plans of this world. He wants to direct you to live a life worthy of the potential He personally knitted into you when He created you in your mother’s womb.

Start by reading the Bible and finding a Christian mentor who can help you understand how to live in obedience to Christ. God will guide you through life. It won’t always be easy but following Him will give you a peace that will defy any difficult circumstances.

Discussion Questions

1. Paul taught, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Does this mean that you, like Zacchaeus, are one of the lost who Jesus came to save?

2. What does John 10:10 say about a life with Jesus as our Savior?

3. How can the promise of an abundant life cure the fear of missing out on the happenings of the world around us?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for dying for my sins so that I can live to fulfill my purpose. Please help me not be enticed by the distractions offered by the world that play into my fear of missing out. Help me understand that with you, I will live my most fulfilling life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.