Navigating Our Fractured WorldSýnishorn

We are living in one of the most divisive periods in recent history. With the relentless influx of information—and misinformation—it can feel like the world is collapsing, with little hope for recovery. As a world mountaineer, I’ve been fortunate to travel across all seven continents, experiencing extreme adventures that have shaped my perspective and brought much-needed clarity. Through these journeys, one truth has remained constant: Jesus is everywhere. He is with me wherever I go—and He is with you, too! The miracle of creation and the wonder of His presence are evident no matter how far we travel. Our God is infinitely greater than this world and far mightier than the toxic divisions caused by sin eroding the earth.

Step by step, I’ve climbed some of the most breathtaking glaciated mountains on the planet. From a solo summit of Mount Everest in Nepal to braving -70°F temperatures on Vinson Massif in Antarctica, every deliberate movement has been critical to my safety. One misstep could mean being swallowed into an unforgiving glacier. Recognizing danger requires knowledge and experience. A seemingly harmless fissure or crack in the ice can hide a massive, treacherous crevasse just below the surface. What looks safe to cross could, in reality, be a thin snow bridge concealing a deadly fall of over a hundred feet. A sudden break would lead to serious injury—or worse.

Like a fractured glacier, the people of this world are divided. In Luke 12:51-53, Jesus warns us that division is inevitable: even families will be split as some choose to follow Him while others turn away. There is no middle ground, and for Christ-followers, this can be heartbreaking. As we are called to love others, judging them in a divisive world is tempting, especially when their actions or beliefs clash with our own. Yet, in Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus reminds us, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” We must remember that we all fall short of His glory.

Instead of judging, we are commanded in Matthew 22:36-39 to love the Lord with all our heart and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Even when we encounter the clear evidence of a deadly crevasse blocking our path—be it the divisions of this world or the wounds caused by sin—we must keep moving forward, one step at a time, guided by love. In doing so, we reflect His grace and light in a fractured and broken world.

Discussion Questions:

What emotion do you feel when you read that you must not judge and must love your neighbor as yourself?

Ask Jesus for forgiveness. Pray for His wisdom and guidance to not judge, but to love and give grace to others as we have been offered His grace.