Washington Middle FCA

Me with You!

“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 35 students in attendance. The girls led this morning’s lesson entitled, “Me with You!”

We often see competition as war; a battle to be won over the enemy. Rivalries grow, producing "win at any cost" mentalities. It becomes us versus them, good versus evil, winner versus loser!

At its origin, the word compete means to "strive together;” to push to a level of play or skill that we cannot attain on our own. Competition does not exist without a partner, whether a teammate or the opposing team. The relationship is complementary, not adversarial.

Let's say there are three first basemen on the softball team. Only one can get the starting nod. Would the other two hope their teammate commits a couple errors and goes 0 to 4 at the plate? Yes, they might hope their teammate fails. Would it be good for the players on the bench? Possibly. Would it be good for the team overall? Definitely not.

This is principled in the New Testament, when there was an apparent conflict between the followers of Apollos and Paul. People took sides, creating an air of discontent and contempt. They were competing against, not striving with, their fellow believers. The result: Any house divided became weaker, not stronger!

Paul addressed the situation by saying, "STOP IT!" He warned them that Christ would not be happy with or put up with those kinds of attitudes.

Whether on the court, in the home or in our churches, we are better together! In closing our leaders asked their classmates the following questions:

1. Do you view your teammates as friend or foe?
2. What would be different if you viewed teammates as allies rather than enemies?
3. How can you treat your teammates like members of God’s family?
4. How does your attitude affect others? How can you reflect Jesus in how you treat people?

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)

Spiritual Potential

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgeting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13)

During this morning’s FCA Huddle at Washington Middle School, we had 37 students in attendance. The class was separated into two groups, with leaders facilitating each group. This morning’s lesson was entitled, “Spiritual Potential.”

Sport enthusiasts often share the great stories of last-minute victories and game-changing plays. But how often does bowling enter that conversation? Bowling doesn't get much attention, but it taught me a valuable lesson. In today's time, technology adds my bowling score on the screen and calculates my potential high score. As a competitor, I'm now comparing my potential score to the others in my lane. The bowling alley's computer calculated the most points I could score in every turn. But despite technology's calculations and my family's encouragement, I would often fall short of my potential.

Spiritually speaking, my daily goal is to love God and honor Him with my life. God tells me that by the authority of His Spirit, I have incredible power to be victorious! There are times I am victorious and there are many times where, like bowling, my choices and thoughts go in the gutter. I leave pins standing and I fail. The Bible calls this sin!

However, as I stand there looking at my misses, my bowling ball returns and I get another attempt! In the same way, God forgives me and lets me have another chance at life with Him in His Kingdom!

With every toss of the ball and with every choice in life, I must intently refocus, forget the past (gutter balls) and look forward to what lies ahead. Even though I will fail at times, God is faithful to forgive. By the authority of His Spirit, we have the potential and incredible power to be victorious! The students were asked the following questions and completed the attached worksheet pictured below.

1. What have you done in your life that needs to be confessed?
2. Where is your focus today?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)