One elderly man was traveling and was waiting for his flight. He observed one well-to-do person sitting, using his Bluetooth, munching snacks, and drinking coffee. When the announcement for the flight came, the man left the garbage, picked up his bag, and started toward the gate. The elderly man stopped him and requested him to clean the garbage so that others standing could sit. He said: “Why are helpers and cleaners in the airport appointed for? Let them clean it.” Meanwhile, a boy about ten years old came running, bent down to read the label of the garbage can, and threw it in the right bin. This elderly man said, “Great! Son, good job. He praised his parents for a good upbringing.” Watching this the gentleman walked back to his seat, cleared the garbage, and went. The advice and rebuke were rejected, but the little boy’s demonstration of discipline shamed him and made him realize and rectify his faults.
Child as a teacher: The Lord Jesus Christ brought a child and said: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
Spontaneous obedience: When the Lord called the little boy, he spontaneously came. Children are willing to listen and obey, though they may not understand why. According to tradition, the boy was Ignatius of Antioch, a great writer who died as a martyr in 107 AD.
Irresponsible and proud: The man though educated and rich, was irresponsible and proud. He thought he was only responsible for throwing garbage wherever he liked and expected it to be cleaned by someone else.
Casteist/Class mindset: The man had a hierarchical mindset. He thought it was his right and privilege to pollute the surroundings, and the duty of someone else to clean it up. Strangely, those who clean up are dubbed as lower caste or class.
Good parents: The parents of the small boy brought him up in discipline.
Am I humble, disciplined, and diligent like the child?