Standing under this scary item is my brother Bill. He lives in Olathe, Kansas. His family was driving through Iowa and came upon this at the a truck stop. Knowing him as I do I know he laughed out loud and had to have a picture made. He and I have great reverence for the John Deere green and yellow so he sent a copy sent to me.

I may be one of the few who has actually given thought to what might have happened had this contraption been invented. I see some benefits. The farmer would not get stuck in his fields again while spreading "you know what". But every farm would need a runway. Farmers are already high tech but this is a "high" tech of a different dimension. If you have seen a manure spreader work you know it would not be a good idea to have one high in the air. The manufacturer will quickly tell you this is the one implement they won’t stand behind. You certainly won’t want to stand under it either.

How does this become the subject of a devotional? First think of how ludicrous this invention would seem. Then look at how convoluted some of our presentations to the unchurched world are. That manure spreader has some interesting possibilities. But assembled with wings and a propeller destroys its credibility. Wings make it a lethal weapon. It is now dangerous.

What about the ëchristian" who carries a chip on their shoulder? Or the one who will lie to protect themselves? How about the one who is slothful in church attendance? (Yes, the Bible says church attendance is a requirement.) How can you be part of the "Body of Christ" if you won’t be part of the "Body of Christ? Then there are those who are as undependable in the work place as the sinner. They quit early and work half heartedly. They dislike the boss and make sure he knows it.

The image some "christians" portray to the world is as ludicrous as this flying manure spreader. And, they are just as believable. They are as quick to get you told if you cross them as the drunk down the street. They would beat you out of a deal as quickly as the gang member.

There are some things that don’t fit together. Wings on a manure spreader is one combination. A christian who practices gossip, back biting, selfishness, getting even or any of the above is another.

God notices and so does the unchristian population. If you are honest with yourself you know it too.