I was making a local flight sometime in June this year. The plane was not full, so pockets of seats were still vacant, especially in the business class section. Two men moved from their allotted seats at the back of the plane to the business class. The air hostess came and ordered them to the back. It was a shameful retreat for them as they tried to hide their faces from the embarrassment. However, I have witnessed the reverse of this. I remember traveling from Doula to Lagos one year. Someone who boarded with her economy ticket was upgraded to business class. She did not presume to take the position by herself; someone with requisite authority upgraded her. Such an upgrade is usually at the instance of the station manager or a senior crew member.
Those who assume higher spaces by themselves may be forced to eat the humble pie served cold. It is all about humility; and this goes beyond social gatherings. It is the noble way of life.
These two scenes brought to the fore the teaching of Jesus. He taught about ethical behaviour in social gatherings. One must learn to take the lower seat first, waiting for the opportunity to be called up higher. Those who assume higher spaces by themselves may be forced to eat the humble pie served cold. It is all about humility; and this goes beyond social gatherings. It is the noble way of life. The humble will be promoted by and by; but the promotion of the high minded will be shame and reproach. There is always a waiting period in life; but if we bide our time well and make the most of such moments, the opportunity to be lifted higher will come knocking someday.