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Q. Some of the guys I lift weights with use illegal steroids. I've never considered using them because I know the dangers. But I don't know how to convince my friends to stop. They say they know what can happen to athletes who use, but still think it's worth it to get an edge. They keep telling me that for every sad story about an athlete who ruined his life and career, there are athletes who got far in their sport. What can I say?

A. Just this week I talked with a youth pastor friend of mine who is also a professional weightlifter. His advice is short and to the point: "Don't play with fire." Steroid use can shorten your life, cause your liver to grow tumors and your heart to clog up. Steroids can give people severe acne, cause their hair to fall out, and affect their reproductive organs. Steroid users can also become aggressive, angry and violent.

If you're talking with Christian friends, you can discuss what the Bible says about how we treat our bodies. "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV). Our bodies are literally places where God dwells. This means the way we treat our bodies is very important. We can hurt them in a lot of ways—with illegal drugs, by living a life of sexual promiscuity, and so on—or we can look at them as rental property from God.

Also, if you're talking to Christian friends, you can discuss how Scripture instructs us to obey the laws of our government (Romans 13:1-2).

If your weightlifter friends are not Christians, you can still share why you don't use. Don't be judgmental or accusing, but simply talk about why steroids wouldn't fit with your faith. In addition, you can just stress that you care about their well–being and you see how steroid use could hurt them.

I'd also like to address your friends' "for every sad story" comments. This is often an argument that's used to justify a lot of questionable actions. For instance, consider these comments:

"Why wear a seatbelt? A lot of people don't and they don't die."

"Why not drink and drive? What are the chances of having an accident?"

People saying this assume they will not be a victim of the risk they take. They fail to think long and hard about the possible, and sometimes very probable, consequences of their actions. They never say: What's really wrong with doing this? They only look at the possible danger. Specifically about steroids, they fail to ask important questions like these: If I take steroids, am I being honest or am I cheating myself and others? Will my actions potentially impact or hurt someone else? Am I doing something that is illegal?

The healthiest way to become physically fit is to eat right, exercise properly, and give your body to God. If you are considering diets or supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. It sounds like you take your body and health very seriously. Your lifestyle and fitness—without risky substances—can be a great example and witness to your friends.

Jim is an author, longtime youth worker and founder of HomeWord, a group seeking to honor God through strong families. Due to the volume of mail, Jim cannot answer every letter.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine.
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