I shall never forget being in the “big blackout” of November 1965. Not just one city or one county or one locality was involved in this widespread power outage, but eight states and a part of Canada—covering a total of 80,000 square miles and affecting 30 million people.

With no electric lights, candles were in great demand. An announcer on a New York station that stayed on the air because it had auxiliary power reported, “An interesting drama is being unfolded on our streets. The price of candles in many stores has doubled. On the other hand, some good-hearted merchants are offering their candles at half price, or even giving them away.”

Some store owners let their concern for others in the hour of emergency outweigh their desire for personal gain. Others, however, took advantage of the situation and put their personal gain ahead of their concern for others. The very same circumstances produced both self-seeking opportunists and selfless philanthropists.

How would we react? Paul’s words in Galatians 6:10 are the only fitting response: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

  — Richard De Haan