A few months before his death, my good friend Ted Engstrom invited a younger friend of mine to spend a day together, just the two of them. Dr. Engstrom’s eyesight was gone, but his mind was still sharp. For hours, he told my friend about the things closest to his heart.

Among other things, Dr. Engstrom talked about a pact that he, Billy Graham, and another close friend, Bill Bright, had made decades earlier. “We promised each other that we would finish well,” Dr. Engstrom said, smiling winsomely. Then he added: “And just think—Bill Bright did just that! Billy Graham assures me he’s going to be faithful to the end. And I fully intend to do the same!” Talk about an enduring legacy.

Dr. Engstrom radiated joy. He had made that promise decades earlier, but keeping it wasn’t a burden or duty. Instead, it was the secret of his enthusiasm and vitality. I’ve seen athletes flash that same smile after winning a major victory. To see it radiate from someone near the end of life is even more moving.

Many years ago I made that same promise. And I have flashed that same smile. Yes, lung cancer may win, but I’m happily and fully committed to finishing well [2 Timothy 4:6-8]. I urge you to do the same.

This is Luis Palau.