When we had the contest, each of the leaders had to stand up and make a pitch to the student body to join their team. Playing the role of Dr. Roberson, I made my little talk, which ended with a flourish when I imitated his voice, stretched out my arm, and exhorted the students to not go to the left or the right, but to go “straight down the line” and join Dr. Roberson’s team. That drew laughter and applause because we had heard him use that phrase many times. 

I have always been grateful for my years at Tennessee Temple because while I was there, I received two things that have impacted my life forever. First, I learned the Bible. Second, I met Marlene. And from Dr. Roberson I learned that church could be serious and exciting and challenging and life-changing all at the same time. 

Long life is a mixed blessing in that if you live into your 90s, nearly all of your contemporaries are gone. Dr. Roberson was uniquely a man of his time and his ways were from another generation. But that should not be seen as any sort of criticism. Like King David of old, he served his own generation according to the will of God, and then he went to be with the Lord. When an ancient Greek king died, one of his eulogists wrote of him, “Hold him in your hearts as he was in his glory.” I knew him in the days of his glory in Chattanooga, and that is how I will always remember him.

You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free weekly email sermon.