Fighting FOMOSample

FOMO: Friendship Ever felt like you have more “squad goals” than, you know...a squad? You’re not alone—even if you are physically alone. Because nobody over the age of four wants imaginary friends and nobody wants to sit at home alone watching Netflix EVERY night. (OK yeah, maybe a few of us would.) It’s nice feeling like people understand you and enjoy being around you. The danger is that sometimes we’ll hang out with anybody just to feel like we have somebody. And it’s not always worth it. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Gaining a friend is not worth losing yourself. The friends you have now are leading you to be the kind of person you will be later. Do not be misled; be correctly led. “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need” (Proverbs 17:17). Great friends will lead you to the best version of yourself. You will feel more loved, accepted, challenged, and encouraged no matter what. Never settle for “friends” that don’t have your best in mind. And never settle for “friends” that don’t care about your relationship with Jesus. Fight for friendships that are built on helping each other listen to Jesus and do what He says. While you’re finding those kinds of friends, you might miss out on a Friday night hang or two, but you’ll gain a friend that loves at all times—even when times get tough. Those friends are worth the fight, worth the time, and worth the risk. So maybe it’s time to start redefining your “squad goals.” Now what? 1. Write the names of at least two people you know would be positive friendships in your life. 2. Is there anybody in your life that, if you’re being honest, you know you don’t need to hang out with that much?