The Wheel - Illustration
This simple but effective illustration has been used by Navigators for
more than fifty years. It helps Christians understand what they are
called to do as disciples of Christ. Each part of this illustration
represents a crucially important component of a vital Christian life.
Use this illustration to gain understanding about important spiritual disciplines in your own life. What areas encourage you? What areas challenge you?
Why not sketch out "The Wheel Illustration" on a napkin or scrap of paper with someone you are discipling. Help challenge them to think clearly about how to be an obedient follower of Christ.
The Volitional Dimension:
How You Relate to Yourself
The Hub: Christ the Center
See: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20
Making
Christ central in your life is an act of your will. Surrendering
totally to Christ's authority and lordship may be at conversion or
after some months or even years. God creates within you the desire to
do what He wants you to do in order to express His lordship in your
life.
The Rim: Obedience to Christ
See: Romans 12:1; John 14:21
Some
acts of obedience to God are internal. But even these internal acts of
obedience, such as attitudes, habits, motives, sense of values, and
day-to-day thoughts, eventually surface in relationships with other
people. The proof of your love for God is your demonstrated obedience
to Him.
The Vertical Dimension:
How You Relate to God
The Word Spoke
See: 2 Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8
As
God speaks to you through the Scriptures, you can see His principles
for life and ministry, learn how to obey, and become acquainted with
the Christ who is worthy of your unqualified allegiance. A vital
personal intake of God?s Word is essential for health and growth.
The Prayer Spoke
See: John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer
is a natural response to God as you hear Him speak to you through His
Word. It is sharing your heart with the One who longs for your
companionship and who cares about your concerns. Prayer unleashes the
power of God in your personal battles and in the lives of those for
whom you pray.
The Horizontal Dimension:
How You Relate to Others
The Fellowship Spoke
See: Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25
Learning
from and encouraging others creates a chemistry pleasing to God. God
has directed Christians to build each other up through inter-dependence
and loving relationships with each other.
The Witnessing Spoke
See: Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:16
The
natural overflow of a rich vibrant life in Christ should be sharing
with others how they too can have this life. God has given believers
the privilege and responsibility of reaching the world with the Good
News about Christ.
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