There was a Man (Funeral Eulogy for Older Christian)

TEXT: Job 1:1

TOPIC: There was a Man

Pastor Bobby Earls

Ridout Chapel, Trussville, September 11, 2006

1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

There was a man in the land of Center Point, Alabama, whose name was Ralph Lindley; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.

We’re here to remember and celebrate the life of Ralph Lindley.

I. THERE WAS A MAN…..

It is difficult to speak in the past tense as we think of Ralph today. But the reality is that one day each one of us will be spoken using the past tense in someone’s discussion. The Bible says it is appointed unto a man once to die, then the judgment. It is also appointed unto man once to live. We only have one life. What we do with it will have eternal consequences.

Ralph was born, December 28, 1927, lived for 78 wonderful years, and then went home to be with his Lord on Thursday afternoon, September 7, 2006.

He was happily married to his beloved wife Mrs. Maxine Lindley for 59 and ½ of those years. 59 and ½ years, that in itself is a story far too rich to tell. Yet it should speak volumes to the generation today that knows far too little of commitment, honor, and faithfulness.

He was the father to two daughters, Nancy (Sims) and Linda Jo (Tralongo), and grandfather of four, Jarred, Andrea, Anna and Lauren.

II. OF THE LAND OF CENTER POINT, ALABAMA

Ralph was a long-time resident of the Center Point, Trussville, and Birmingham area. After serving his country in the Merchant Marines, and the Army during WWII, Ralph worked for the Social Security Administration and the State of Alabama Highway Department.

III. THAT MAN WAS BLAMELESS AND UPRIGHT

One of our members described Ralph as a kind and caring man, friendly and helpful were others words he used.

He did have a gentle spirit that came through when you were with him. I know how much I will always appreciate the kind and encouraging words he shared with me as his new pastor not that long ago.

Ralph could only be described as blameless and upright because of his relationship with Jesus Christ. You see, Ralph was a Christian. His faith in Christ alone changed him from sinner to saint in an instant. He developed the heart of God because of his love for the word of God and the time he spent with God in prayer and worship.

He was a longtime member of FBC, Center Point, joining our church on May 5, 1968 through a profession of faith in Christ and believer’s baptism.

IV. ONE WHO FEARED GOD AND SHUNNED EVIL

Most people in Center Point knew Ralph to be a good, honest, dependable, and trustworthy gentleman. He was a man of integrity.

I didn’t know Ralph very long or very well. I didn’t have the same privilege that many of you enjoyed of knowing Ralph through the years. But what I did know of him, that he was a Christian, a faithful church member, a loving husband, father and grandfather, would lead me to say that he ran his course well.

> I read of a man who stood to speak

> At the funeral of a friend

> He referred to the dates on her tombstone

> From the beginning...to the end.

>

> He noted that first came her date of birth

> And spoke the following date with tears,

> But he said what mattered most of all

> Was the dash between those years. (1934-1998)

>

> For that dash represents all the time

> That she spent alive on earth...

> And now only those who loved her

> Know what that little line is worth.

>

> For it matters not, how much we own;

> The cars...the house...the cash,

> What matters is how we live and love

> And how we spend our dash.

>

> So think about this long and hard...

> Are there things you'd like to change?

> For you never know how much time is left,

> That can still be rearranged.

>

> If we could just slow down enough

> To consider what's true and real,

> And always try to understand

> The way other people feel.

>

> And be less quick to anger,

> And show appreciation more

> And love the people in our lives

> Like we've never loved before.

>

> If we treat each other with respect,

> And more often wear a smile..

> Remembering that this special dash

> Might only last a little while.

>

> So, when your eulogy's being read

> With your life's actions to rehash...

> Would you be proud of the things they say

> About how you spent your dash?