The Scent of a Laborer

Last week, I had the chance to drive to Cedar Falls to visit Tracie, the woman who discipled me while I was a student and UNI (and continues to be my spiritual mom to this day). I got to share my "discipleship testimony" at the class she leads. Afterwards, she gave a talk on the "Scent of a Laborer." She defined a laborer as a "worker in the kingdom of God who is directly involved in the specific task of reaping souls for Christ and then helping them become reapers as well." Here are the 5 "smells" that should mark a laborer:

1) Deep passion for Jesus.
- Philippians 1:21 - To live is Christ, to die is gain.
- Psalm 131:2 - But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. -->This was so insightful. When a child has not been weaned, his/her main motivation for coming to his/her mother is to be fed...for milk. But, a weaned child who cuddles up to his/her mother has a totally different motive - often seeking comfort, love, time and affection. So, a laborer is one that has a passion for seeking Jesus, not just to get a need met, but to have a loving relationship.
2) Depth in the basics.
- A laborer spends time with Jesus, prays consistently and diligently and memorizes and meditates on the word. (these are the basics)
- Those things are not only in place, but there is depth and consistenly in his/her walk.
3)Quality of character.
- Who you are is more important that what you do. (Phil 1:27)
- Model: humility, servanthood, and excellence.
4)Heart for others and the world.
-A laborer sees the lost, those he/she doesn't even know, and aches for them.
- Matthew 9:36
5) A vision for the 3rd generation.
- This is the KEY to being a laborer! 2 Timothy 2:2; Psalm 78:4-5
- This means passing your life on to another person and then sending them out to do the same.
- Many believers possess the first 4 qualities, but #5 (vision for the 3rd generation) is what distinguishes a true laborer.

Wow, those things really encouraged me and spurred me in many ways. Tracie closed by giving a "warning." There is a cost to being a laborer: time, energy, resources, emotions, incredible joy and incredible sorrow at times. But, it is all worth it when you impact a life for eternity.