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.