Pubdate: Sun, 10 Nov 2002
Source: Monroe News-Star (LA)
Copyright: 2002 The News-Star, Gannett
Contact:   http://www.thenewsstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1644
Author: Gerald Dyer II

LOVE OF LORD LEADS TO STRENGTH IN FIGHTING DRUGS

Although drug testing may sound like a challenge to the integrity of a 
team, in actuality it defines the integrity of a team.

In the field of sports where only the strong survive, drug testing 
identifies the true warriors. Those who turn to drugs to enhance their 
playing abilities are impersonators of the sincere, hard-working players, 
and drug testing reveals their true identities. All players who step into 
the arena of true heart and perseverance that embodies the glory of sports 
should play according to their own abilities, strengths, and, yes, even 
their own weaknesses.

Drug testing eliminates those who take illegal stimulants in an attempt to 
suppress their weaknesses. Besides, overcoming weakness while in intense 
competition is the true method of determining champions, not using illegal 
substances to have an unfair edge over opponents. The drug test promotes 
fair play, and with this test continuing to be in effect, athletes from all 
over the nation will have equal opportunity to become true champions who 
achieve without ever having to be cheated by another who would rather use 
illegal means to gain glory.

The test acts as a filter to rid teams of players who choose to use illegal 
means to increase their performance. These types of players only soil the 
pure competition of sports. Without drug testing, the sports world would 
suffer, for there would emerge players who would do anything, except the 
right thing, to become the best.

It is also a method of keeping the playing field among all athletes 
balanced. It makes sure each player is given the opportunity to achieve, 
and it even gives every athlete a chance to enjoy himself or herself while 
he or she is competing. Drug tests are the factors that keep the 
competition and fun of sports alive today.

If it were not for the drug tests, athletes would not be athletes because 
the drugs would seem to make them invincible. There would no longer be such 
a thing as victory despite the odds because the odds would be disregarded 
as a result of drugs. Victory would not even be present, for a victory 
without the use of one's own abilities is as empty as a soul which lacks 
the love of Jesus.

All athletes are blessed with special abilities, and the use of drugs will 
only act as a barrier to keep one from reaching the awesome skills that God 
has placed on the inside of all His chosen people.

The use of illegal drugs of all types is degrading to the mind, body and 
soul of any athlete who may consume them. Drugs may make one feel on top of 
the world for a moment, but this feeling will eventually subside and call 
for a heavier dosage of a drug. This, in turn, only leads an athlete down a 
path of unnecessary pain and suffering. The drug tests serve as a way to 
maintain the health of athletes all over the world, for if an athlete were 
to fail this test, then sports of any kind would be out of the question.

Giving up a lifetime of memories and excitement just to use drugs that will 
land one nowhere but rock bottom is a foolish way to end a career. Even 
though in society today there is a huge rush for success, to those who are 
diligent and honorable in their actions on and off the playing field, the 
promise of a long and successful career increases dramatically as opposed 
to those who only wish to locate a corrupt way to avoid the work and 
dedication it takes to become a champion.

One must remember the path to success is not marked by the will of man but 
by the perfect will of God. There is a saying that reads as follows: "Just 
say no to drugs." As simple as this saying may sound, in this case it is 
absolutely necessary, for one must realize to say no to drugs, but to say 
yes to the perfect will of God.

By placing Jesus first in one's life, there is nothing he or she cannot 
accomplish, and even though drug tests are designed to keep one healthy, 
that athlete who allows Jesus to reign supreme knows that it is by His 
grace that he or she is able to accomplish great feats. The health of the 
athletes of God are not brought on by any drug test but by His will. Gerald 
B. Dyer II is a senior at Ouachita Parish High School and a member of the 
football team.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom