Chuck Bridges Blog

For anyone who follows NASCAR, the topic of “Restrictor Plates” should mean something to you. Trust me, I am not a true NASCAR fan. I enjoy watching a race when I have the time. I do not have a favorite driver or any of those really large ear protectors with the ability to hear the drivers. For me, NASCAR is definitely interesting but not my passion.

From time to time I do catch parts of a race on television. I especially like to watch the endings (or anytime at Bristol). In my brief times of watching a race I have heard much said about “restrictor plates.” From what little I have learned it is a metal plate that is placed on the carberator to restrict the flow of fuel, thus slowing the cars down. This is done to keep the racing at a ’safer’ speed. (yeah right)

I was thinking about some things that I learned this past week that really troubled me concerning evangelical Christianity. It seems that some well-known, influential leaders of established churches who think that many of the newer churches that have grown quickly are doing things wrong are using their positions to try and divert anyone else from going towards these churches. It seems that Modern-Day Pharisaism is alive and well. Once again, the enemy is finding ways to attack Jesus Christ where He is the most active.

As I thought about these things, the analogy of ‘restrictor plates’ came to mind. I wonder how many Christian leaders who are quick to criticize what they do not understand are actually very effective “Restrictor Plates” to “slow down” the growth of God’s Kingdom?! How many other detrimental attitudes, behaviors, practices, etc. can be identified that actually “slow down” the growth of the church?

I don’t know about NASCAR but I think we need to find a way to locate all the “Restrictor Plates” we can that keep the church from growing and remove them — as far as the east is from the west! That’s what I want to do. I am simple enough to believe that we serve a God who can explode in salvations, growth, miracles, etc. if we will remove the Restrictor Plates!

That’s about all I’m gonna say about that — FOR NOW!