When I moved into my apartment I noticed that one balcony window had a screen while the other didn’t. It soon became clear that there might be a practical reason for this. Visiting my friend’s apartment confirmed what I had already witnessed walking past the many other apartment buildings in the city: people lean out of open windows to smoke.

On a handful of occasions I’ve found myself staring out of a balcony window, enjoying whatever view of the city it offers, while one or two friends finish smoking. I’m often the only student in the group without a cigarette in my hand. The activity punctuates daily life, and I’ve never really gotten used to it.

Alcohol and tobacco consumption can make me feel alienated from my peers. Sometimes I wonder if cultural and communication barriers can effectively be overcome. But lingering over doubts like this can be immobilizing. Paul reminds us that God “has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant.” I regularly need to be reminded of the confidence I can have “through Christ before God.”

One night a friend visited our weekly Bible-study group. We read a story from the New Testament and answered discussion questions. After we finished I stood with him on the balcony, staring outside. After he flicked his cigarette out the window he said, “I think this is the first time I’ve ever read the Bible.”

Moments like that sweep away negative feelings. I’m left reminded that as a jar of clay, my job is to bear witness to God’s “all-surpassing power” to those for whom the gospel is veiled.

Shawn B.