“Be a life worth emulating that remains faithful to the end of life”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 19, 2026
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7
Paul writes to Timothy from a Roman prison around AD 66–67, during Emperor Nero’s brutal persecution of Christians. Chained like a criminal in a cold dungeon and largely abandoned by friends, he knew execution was imminent, writing, “The time of my departure is near” (v. 6). This letter is his final recorded words, a spiritual last will to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith. Verse 7 is not a boastful reflection but a battle-weary veteran’s testimony from death’s doorstep, urging Timothy to preach the Word, endure hardship, and finish faithfully, as he himself was about to do. Paul is a hero worth emulating who remained faithful to the end of life.
James is my father-in-law. My hero, best friend, and role model. I met him in seventh grade, when I was trying out for pee-wee football. He coached the Eagles, while I played for the Redskins. That began a relationship that has lasted 54 years. When I wanted to date his daughter, Rita, our senior year of high school, he said I had to attend church, which I gladly did. As an aspiring businessperson, I needed to know how to do business with church people, and his daughter was cute. I worked for him during college at his local tractor dealership, where I learned the value of hard work and the process of growing through trial and error. Three things I’ve learned from James, though there are many more I’m still learning from him. Number #1: Live for something worth dying for. Number #2: Work hard and smart. Number #3: Have fun.
Without words, he lived for something worth dying for. I watch how James loves his family because he encountered Jesus Christ in a life-changing way as a young adult. For him, faith is foundational. Faith in the Lord is more than a southern cultural experience; it’s worth dying for. It sustains us through our pain and pride and helps us learn to forgive ourselves and others when they let us down. He tells me that his biggest struggle is being a generous forgiver, but he knows it’s the right thing to do. James modeled faith in action by teaching Sunday school to young men at his church and coaching Little League baseball, not just coaching but also winning championships and, in the process, developing gifted athletes. He invested in young men who still talk about his influence in shaping them into leaders. James brings out the best in others.
He told me that luck comes from hard, smart work. He started as a ditch digger for the city, then ran the sanitation department before becoming a partner and manager at the local tractor dealership. His lessons in leadership toughened me for the real world, so when I had to work hard, I wasn’t afraid because I’d been there. He inspired me to grow my own truck-washing business. I learned how to work with people and the need to earn more than I spend. Hard, smart work wins!
I’ve never seen a man with more joy and childlike wonder than James. To this day, his 88-year-old self gets down on the floor with the grandchildren and great-grands and loves them well. We made multiple trips to Disney World. My brother-in-law Tim and I drove the RV that he and my mother-in-law, Jean, rented. Generosity was their convener. And the fun never stops. There’s a drone for every child. Nowadays, it would be 12. He taught me early on that a smile and laughter are gifts of acceptance for a child to cherish. Most of all, these fun experiences are his way of getting to know the person in front of him. While the kids throw rocks in the creek, he asks about their school, their friends, and their interests. Every detail he gathers becomes the future fruit of loving others well by remembering who they are. I love you, James. Thank you for modeling how to love life and others, and for remaining faithful. Cherishing our moments together!
“The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them” (Proverbs 20:7).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the heroes You’ve placed in my life. Give me grace to fight well, finish strong, and remain faithful. Make my life worth imitating for the next generation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Thank one of your heroes today: write, call, or visit. Name three lessons they’ve taught you. Then pass one down: mentor someone younger. Finish faithfully like Paul & James.
Related Reading
Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Psalm 71:17-18; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Hebrews 12:1-2
Worship Resource
Steven Curtis Chapman: His Strength is Perfect
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