How to Die
The first time my dad got cancer (12 or 13 years ago), he comforted me instead of my comforting him. It seems backward, but that’s the way my daddy is—always thinking of others first.
“It’s just prostate cancer; it’s very curable. I’ll have the surgery and be fine in no time,” he reassured me.
“But what if it’s not? What if you’re not?” I cried.
“I’ve been showing people how to live for over 50 years,” he replied. “If it’s my time to die, then I’ll show them how to die.”
That’s the response of a godly pastor who poured his life into others. It’s the response of a daddy who’s led a follow-worthy life—faithful to Christ no matter the season or challenge.
Foundations of Faith
When I graduated from junior church flannelgraphs to sitting beside my mother in big-people church—savoring one Lifesaver per sermon point—I began to realize that the sinners my dad preached about included me and that I needed a Savior.
One Sunday morning after the service, I followed Daddy downstairs to watch him add more presto logs to our furnace. I asked him to help me ask Jesus into my heart. I was just seven, but I have never wavered from that commitment. I’ve questioned many other things over the years, but never my salvation.
Dad’s spiritual fatherhood began before I was born. During my preschool years, my brother and I learned how to say fancy words like predestination and propitiation while other kids watched Sesame Street. He used to tell us that we are guilty of original sin, which means that none of our sins would be original!
Even now, I still text him with occasional theological questions despite having my own Bible degree.
When I learned how to read, he bought me my first Bible—and he’s bought me nearly every other Bible I own since then. I watched him read his Bible every morning, usually including Greek and Hebrew versions.
Our family’s nightly devotions around the dinner table shaped my theology as much as my faith. When I visit now, I look forward to gathering again for that same family time in the Word.
Dad’s unwavering faithfulness—to God, His Word, and His church—has influenced not just me and my desire to serve others, but countless others around the world. Missionaries, pastors, and disciples walk faithfully with Jesus today because of my father’s investment in their lives.
As C.T. Studd so aptly said, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” My father’s life exemplifies that truth.
What Makes a True Spiritual Giant?
Remember in grade school when we would say, “My daddy is stronger than your daddy”? Or faster, or smarter, or whatever?
As adults, our comparisons should shift. Instead of temporary greatness, we should ask: What defines a true spiritual giant?
Superheroes might fly, but spiritual giants stay grounded in the Word of God, in character, and in humility. Mature believers display the fruit of the Spirit:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22–23 ESV).
Spiritual giants not only know the Bible, but they also know its Author. They have a sincere, intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father that’s evidenced both when life is easy and when it is painfully difficult.
Quite Strength: Living Examples
I still marvel at my dad’s faithfulness through church splits, personal attacks, and yes—even those infamous carpet color debates. In every situation, he responded with gentleness and grace.
Years ago after a painful church rift, many wounds remained. Yet, later when one of the men who caused the division was dying, my dad visited him in the hospital and later preached his funeral. No one else would. That quiet mercy still convicts me.
Scripture gives us examples of spiritual giants too. Abraham, the father of faith, demonstrated faithful obedience throughout his life (Hebrews 11).
Another notable biblical example is the apostle Paul, who said:
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all (Philippians 2:17 ESV).
Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV).
These biblical heroes—and my father—lived for something greater than themselves: the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Heroism in the Hardest Battles
It’s one thing to face cancer once. It’s another to face it three times—and only beat it twice. This last one leaves him physically weak yet spiritually strong.
A few months ago, we were walking up a steep hill by his house in the mountains, and he was clearly out of breath, but he refused to stop and rest. I told him resting was a good thing. He replied that he had to get used to doing the same amount of work physically with less energy than before, so he could continue the ministries he’s called to: elder, college student volunteer, Sunday School teacher, mentor, writer, and family patriarch.
“But why? It’s okay not to do so much if you don’t physically have the stamina!” I protested.
His reply floored me. “I did not ask the Lord for a long life, but I did ask the Lord for a useful life.”
Leave a Legacy
Spiritual giants don’t measure their lives in years, but in souls.
They leave a foundation of faith, disciples, and a godly legacy. They remind us of our purpose: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
I am the woman I am today because of my daddy’s steady, godly influence.
Who has had the biggest spiritual influence in your life? Reach out and honor them today!
What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave behind?
Bethany LaShell 