Okay, materialism is dangerous for anybody. However, I aim to address and push truth to the single ladies in a world where women suffer from violence and other circumstantial afflictions at a disproportionate rate.

I know that idolatry is wrong, so my expectation is that if I got into materialism, it would backfire. I truly do believe to whom much is given, much is required. I know better than to place too much importance on material things.

Some women are not followers of Jesus Christ. Some women do not see materialism as problematic. In addition, there are women who grow up in an environment and among influences where materialism is a primary focus. So, that is what these particular women know.

Due to the fact that so many women run into all kinds of problems in their relationships with men; yet, I am seeing an alarming amount of women still primarily focused on materialism rather than a man’s character, I decided to write this post.

Here are six reasons materialism is dangerous for women:

1. First, materialism is a form of idolatry.

Idolatry is sin and idolatry is dangerous. Wanting things in excess, desiring many things one doesn’t need due to greed is covetousness. Materialism can lead to competing and comparing.

God says we are to have no other gods before Him. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” -Exodus 20: 3. How can one properly serve and worship God as King while caught up in materialism? One cannot truly worship God and worship wealth at the same time.

Also, covetousness is indeed idolatry. “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:…” –Colossians 3:5.

2. Impure motives.

Materialism can cause certain women to have impure motives for becoming involved in the first place with a man in a relationship or marriage.

Some women who are into materialism marry or date a man solely or primarily for his wealth, including his various assets. This is dangerous, because these women may choose men who are not safe.

Another reason it is potentially dangerous is because impure motives often result in bad outcomes. I have seen it to be true in different cases. Things tend to backfire when motives are not pure.

3. Compromising standards.

This means compromising on a man’s character in favor of his wealth. Materialism places higher value on material things than character. In short, if a woman is willing to compromise on her expectations for a man to have good character, she could end up with literally any kind of man.

Again, this is dangerous. It is scary. Yet, some women’s love of material things seem to blind them to this. Their lives may be in danger and their spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being are often at risk.

4. Abuse.

This is expounding on the fact that many women who are materialistic compromise on character in general. Fixating on materialism creates in some women a tendency to allow themselves to be controlled and abused in relationships.

Some (certainly not all) wealthy men weaponize their money and assets. They may use money to control a woman. Some seem to believe their accountability is canceled out by wealth.

In other words, because they are wealthy, they are supposedly entitled to commit certain sins. There are men who seriously hate women, but they will date and marry them. Sometimes, their money/assets are the bait that they use to lure women in.

Also, men are not stupid. They know, or at least get a good sense of it when a woman is with them for their money and possessions. This can understandably lead to resentment. Unfortunately, it can also lead to anger and mistreatment of the woman as well.

5. High tolerance for mistreatment.

Many women who are materialistic will put up with almost any and everything. This includes putting up with cheating and various forms of abuse. What kind of quality of life is this? Very poor. Yet, some women seem to believe it is worth it because of their love of money.

6. Debt.

Need I say more? Materialism can lead to lavish spending beyond one’s means and ending up broke sooner or later.

In conclusion

There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. It is how one obtains their wealth and what they do with their wealth that matters. If they are a hard worker, obtain wealth through lawful means, are generous and humble, what a beautiful thing! What a blessing. A man should be ambitious and a provider. This will lead to him obtaining some wealth.

The problem is not being wealthy. The problem is sin and the fact that the love of money is truly the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). It’s fine to like money and it is fine to have money. It’s fine to appreciate money. Money is necessary. There’s nothing wrong with having nice things, fancy things, abundant things.

I understand I should not be greedy and excessive though. I should not covet things or have an insatiable appetite for things. My heart should remain pure, humble, generous and grateful to God. God should always remain number one in my life.

God is the only one I should be worshiping. We live in a culture that pushes materialism, narcissistic love of self and self-gratification. Needless to say, this has a negative effect on all types of relationships also.

My most important relationship is my relationship with God. My desire is to have a right, healthy relationship with God, keeping Him first. From that, it is possible to correctly prioritize and have healthy relationships with others. This way I end up loving God. This way I end up loving people, using things, and not the other way around.

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” –Matthew 6:24.