by Kevin Conner

Life is hard to balance. It seems that so many things pull at us and try to eat up our time. How often do you find yourself saying, “Where has the day gone?” Sometimes we might even say, “I wish I had more time in the day; if only I had a couple more hours in the day.” If we had a couple more hours in the day, then we would fill them and still be wondering where the time went.

Let me share with you the story of a man who knew how to get things done with the time he had. This man took to heart Psalm 90:12 which tells us, “So teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.” He accomplished more in a day then most can accomplish in a week.

I know his secret. He was able to accomplish so much because he was focused on so little. Did that make sense the first time you read it? You may want to read it again.

I wish I could say that his focus in faith is a new way of thinking. It is not rocket science. In fact, it is not even hard to work through. Are you ready? Here it is. Love God. Love people. Make disciples.

This man loved God with all his heart. He made a commitment to honor God with all that he did and said. He was not perfect, but he was committed. He developed his Christ-centered world view and then stood by it. He was willing to grow and learn as long as it helped draw him closer to his Lord and Savior. He was not just a man with convictions, but a man with the right convictions based on the right source, God's Word.

This man loved people in sincerity. This love grew first within his own home, but it poured out unceasingly to those to whom he ministered. He expressed love and sincerity to everyone. Who he was in the public is who he was all the time. He had no masks or facades. Not one ounce of him was a fake. He was the real deal. Even those that disliked that stand he took, after meeting him, realized the sincerity and genuineness of his person. He loved people because God loves people.

This man made disciples. I know this to be true because I had the opportunity to sit under his teaching. I was able to learn and grow from his talks. I was able to see on his face the concern and care for people. His desire was to see others grow in Christ.

I give this man credit for my wife and marriage and my spiritual growth. I give this man credit for my passion and heart. This man is not perfect, but he was available to God. This man is my pastor, Reverend Jerry Falwell. I would not be the man I am today if Dr. Falwell had not been the man God called him to be. I praise God for using Dr. Falwell to accomplish so much and impact so many people. I honor Dr. Falwell for his willingness to love God, love people, and make disciples. He was not driven by anything other then this. Some would say he was an example of a great man. I say he was an example of a man available to God. Dr. Falwell was able to balance so much in life because he focused on what is lasting in life and then God ordered his days and accomplished much through him.

I believe Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 11:1 can be said of Dr. Falwell, “Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ!"