“When lesser goals capture your attention, I fade into the background of your life.” Sarah Young
True, but when I read it the early hour, I thought it read gods, not goals. It got me to thinking, goals stem from desires and priorities; can’t both morph into understudies waiting in the wings, poised to take center stage? Anything that fills the space reserved for God is suspect. 
So as I look to this year, focused on casting the things that hinder my walk with my Father, let me be quite intentional about slaying those lesser gods.  The biggest are always easiest to name: worry, gluttony, unbelief, but what about those of reasonable desire that somehow grow into giants, stealing time and focus from our relationship?
What are the guidelines? Surely, He’s okay with desires; He desires us!
I settle on Isaiah 26:8 as my wisdom: for Your Name and Your renown are the desire of our souls. Make God famous! Does my desire make God or instead,me known?
That’s it! Cast off all that returns the attention to me. 
Example-I’ve always been drawn to watercolor and recently I found some online tutorials. So I’ve purchased the recommended materials to give the medium a whirl. I may fail, I may stink! But will the journey help me to appreciate God’s creation in a sweeter way, settle my thoughts on Him as I paint, or even provide encouragement for others? If it becomes “look how good I am” it has morphed into one of those dangerous idols. Then, it’s time to cast; the attention shines on me. 
God is a gentleman. He will let me think I have the starring role and wait until I limp off the stage in defeat. Please, Lord, not this year? I want your Name  to receive first billing. Help me to cast these lesser gods in the weeks to come.