The Wheel Illustration (Part 6)

The final component of the Navigator Wheel Illustration is the rim. The rim is stabilized by the four spokes- The Word, prayer, fellowship, and witnessing. These are the spiritual disciplines of the means of grace that is centered upon Jesus Christ, the very hub of the wheel. The wheel garners its strength from the hub through the spokes so the rim can complete the wheel. So what does the rim symbolize? As the diagram indicates, the rim symbolizes the obedient Christian in action.

Now, obedience is very important in the Christian life. By the nature of the diagram, we see its proper place in the life of a Christian. Obedience is not the center. Jesus is the center. Obedience, therefore, flows out of our life in Jesus. How often do we get the cart before the horse when we mistakenly conclude that the reality of our life in Jesus flows out of our obedience? This is not the case! We can never earn our life in Christ. Jesus earned our life in Him and provides it to us by grace. It is by grace that we have been saved. And it is this gospel grace that leads to the obedient life. The Wheel Illustration reminds us of this in its very structure. Obedience flows from the inside out.

What a simple illustration that is packed with theology! It reminds us what it means to be a Christian. And I pray that we will be reminded of it. Memorize it. Meditate on its simple truths. And be ready to encourage others on the basic framework of the Christian life.