Following along with the Delphic Maxims

Star Foster, over at the Pantheon blog at Patheos, has started blogging on each of the Delphic Maxims. Her first on the statement, ‘Follow God.’ I liked what she had to say and I find the aphorisms thought-provoking, so I thought I’d follow in her footsteps and write about what I think it means to follow god.

First of all, let me say that I know very little about Delphi, the Oracle, Hellenic tradition (ancient or modern), or the Maxims. I can’t tell you much about them, although there are something close to 150 of them. Makes the Ten Commandments seem economical!

Secondly, I don’t know Greek, ancient or modern, so I don’t know if there are nuances about what this phrase might have meant.

When I read ‘follow God’ I am immediately in mind of some kind of monotheistic, Yahweh-like god. Pushing that aside and ‘translating’ the word for myself, I think of my god-soul. Following God is listening to that still, small voice within that pushes for what is the ‘right’ thing. Forgive my abuse of quotation marks, but I have to put ‘right’ subjective terms. Following G/god involves listening, observing, patience, discernment. Following God is going with the Flow (not with what is easiest, safest or most comfortable). Following god is the path to wisdom – but also to adventure and the life that I most want!

By following god, I moved to Berkeley, expanded my education, met my partner, and discovered Feri. Thanks to following God I moved to Wales. Listening to God led me to Olympia. By following God I am where I am today – and I am so grateful for my life.

Sometimes god makes big demands and what is ‘right’ is uncomfortable, or down right scary. But in my experience listening, and acting accordingly, is always, always worth it.