What
A private forum for men to track weight, nutrition, and exercise, compete alongside brothers, and hold one another accountable to meaningful commitments.
Inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:24–27
Discipline your body.
Every aspect of our lives ought to be brought in subjection to Christ. This includes our physical health. Isthmian Way exists as a forum for men to train in self-control, hold one another accountable, and share in victory.
Invite only · Coming soon
Why
Our bodies belong to Christ. As husbands, fathers, and churchmen, we train to be ready for every good work: to serve our community, protect our families, and fight for what is right.
How
Practice self-control. Record the work honestly. Confront excuses and receive correction. Enjoy God’s gifts with gratitude, share in victory, and meet failure with renewed effort.
For an imperishable crown.
Paul often uses the arena as a metaphor for the Christian life: an athlete submits to hard training with a prize in view. The victor's crown he seeks endures beyond this life.1 With eternity as the context, our everyday choices gain significant spiritual significance. What we repeatedly yield to shapes us, whether that be to Christ or the flesh. Learning to govern our appetites (including but not limited to food) is foreign to our licentious culture, but is a part of learning obedience.
The grace of God is active in that work. In Titus, Paul describes grace itself as our teacher, training us to renounce ungodliness.2 Sanctification unfolds over a lifetime, through costly obedience, repentance, and dependence on Christ. We should expect the struggle and take it seriously.
That said, Paul also rebukes those who forbid foods God created to be received with thanksgiving.3 Asceticism errs by labeling the good gifts of God as temptations of the flesh. Food and drink shared with our wives, children, and friends can and should be an occasion for worship. We learn to feast with gratitude and in moderation.