A poor man dug up his dead sister’s skeleton and appeared at the bank. The reason was that the bank officials were not allowing him to withdraw money from his sister’s account, though he was the only relative and nominee. (The Economic Times, 27 April 2026) There was not even one official who could sympathetically handle his request.
Tribal: The man was from a tribal background. Such people were not treated with dignity, as they are considered social outcasts. Most people treat them as if they deserve to live only in jungles and hills and are not fit to come to the town. Some are so ruthless to treat them like animals, instead of human beings created in the image of God. According to the haughty people in society, they do not need any money.
Poor: Whoever oppresses the poor insults his maker. (Proverbs 14:31; 17:5) God warns that He is the defender of the poor. Depriving them of what belongs to them will result in God’s judgment. (Proverbs 22:22-23) It is a common factor in most cultures that the poor are not treated with dignity. Their rights are not recognised and are ridiculed. The existence of the poor is, in fact, a direct indictment of an unjust society.
Illiterate: The news report adds that the man was unable to read and write. Sadly, many people do not have opportunities to go to school and get educated, and others do not learn the skills to read and write, even when they have been given a chance.
Evidence: Apparently, the bank officials demanded evidence for the death of his sister. Unable to provide the death certificate, he brought the skeleton of his dead sister. A visit to the village by officials or making a call to the local civil authorities would have been sufficient for bank officials.
Power to serve: Those who are educated and are given authority are expected to serve all people, including the poor and needy. Sadly, the bank officials used their power not to help, facilitate, and serve the poor, but instead neglected their duty and opportunity to serve.
Do I have a mindset to serve?