Living Righteously in a Wicked World

Today in chapel, SGA chaplain Ethan Foster continued his series through Genesis by exploring the story of Noah in Genesis 6–8. His message centered on a challenging truth: that in view of God’s judgment and grace, we must live righteously in a wicked world.

Foster began by describing Noah’s world — one marked by deep moral decay and violence. Yet in the middle of this brokenness, Noah stood out. He sought to walk with God when few others did. Ethan emphasized that Noah’s righteousness was not about personal strength or moral superiority but about responding to God’s undeserved grace. Even in the darkest environment, God was still at work, extending mercy to those who would trust Him.

Bringing the story forward to today, Foster reminded us that we also live in a world that often rejects God’s truth and celebrates self-centeredness. Like Noah, we’ve been shown grace — not through an ark but through the saving work of Christ. Because of that grace, we are called to live differently, even when it feels uncomfortable or unpopular.

Foster also spoke about how we must have an absurd obedience — the kind of faith that doesn’t always make sense to the culture around us. Just as Noah’s decision to build the ark must have looked foolish to his neighbors, our commitment to integrity, humility, and holiness might look strange in a world driven by pride and compromise. But that very difference is what displays God’s glory.

Foster reminded us that our perspective changes when we remember the end of the story. We know that God’s justice will prevail, so we must continue walking faithfully and living righteously in a wicked and corrupt world.

He closed with a challenge to live as Noah did — with steady, countercultural obedience rooted in grace. Because when we live righteously in a wicked world, our lives become living testimonies of God’s enduring mercy and global mission.