Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
The things a man owns often reveal what he values most. While no one is perfect, there are certain items that signal deeper issues. Therefore, if you see these items in his possession, take them as red flags that may save you pain and protect your walk with Christ.
1. Status Symbols (Luxury Watches, Certain Cars, Designer Clothing)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:10)
I admit that this point is a slippery slope. I don’t think you should instantly assume a man is godless just because he owns a Rolex watch, drives a BMW, or wears certain designer clothing. I don’t think owning these items is inherently evil.
However, in the vast majority of cases, a man who owns these types of things is showing you that he loves money and wants other people to see him as wealthy. I’m sure there are some men who just love the quality or were given these items by a family member as a gift. But again, in most cases, a man who spends an exorbitant amount of money on material possessions shows he loves money.
Money is not bad. Wealth is not bad. But the Bible is clear that the love of money is evil.
2. A Violent or Worldly Music Collection (Digital, CDs, Records)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Music is not just sound. It’s a message set to rhythm. A man who constantly consumes music filled with violence, sexual immorality, or blasphemy is training his heart to love what God hates. If his playlist glorifies rebellion, it reveals his inner agreement with sin.
It’s like planting thorn bushes in a garden and expecting roses to grow. The soil of his soul will only produce what he continually sows into it. Pay attention to the songs that fill his ears, because they are shaping the man he is becoming.
3. Excessive Alcohol Collections or Drug Paraphernalia (Full Liquor Cabinet, Tons of Beer, Bongs, Pipes)
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
There’s nothing wrong with a man owning a bottle of wine or enjoying a drink in moderation. But if his identity revolves around drinking, if his shelves are lined with bottles, or if drug paraphernalia is part of his life, then you are staring at a flashing red warning light. Addiction destroys marriages, families, and faith.
Picture a car with faulty brakes speeding downhill – a crash is inevitable. A man who is enslaved to substances cannot be trusted to lead himself, let alone a wife or a future family.
4. An Out-of-Control Collection of Childish Toys or Video Games (Star Wars, Pokémon, Action Figures, Gaming Equipment)
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” (1 Corinthians 13:11)
There’s nothing wrong with a grown man who has a hobby that a younger person would also like. Perhaps he is into remote control cars, building trains, collecting trading cards, or playing video games. In moderation, these things don’t need to be red flags.
However, I have found that in most cases when a man has an intense interest in something childish, it’s often a sign he is immature and still underdeveloped as a man. I’m not talking about having a shelf or two of some things you enjoy because they are nostalgic to you. I’m talking about revolving your life around this hobby and spending all day shopping online for things little kids would want.
Again, I don’t think hobbies like this are inherently evil. But a man who plays four hours of video games every day or spends thousands of dollars each year on collecting toys is showing he’s not ready to be a responsible husband and father.
5. Sexually Explicit Pictures or Images Idolizing the Female Body (Posters, Art, Porn, Certain Social Media Accounts)
“But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)
Does he have posters of women hanging up in his garage? Does he “like” sexually stimulating content on his social media platforms? Does he have pornographic magazines?
Think of it like mold in a house: you may only see a few dark spots on the wall, but they reveal a deeper infestation spreading beneath the surface. What he owns reflects what owns him.
While God can certainly heal and redeem anyone, you must not ignore the warning signs. If he owns items that are evidence of idolizing the female body, then know this is also evidence of deeper chains keeping him stuck in lust. A lustful man is not able to truly love a woman.
Remember: a godly man’s possessions will reflect his devotion to Christ, not his enslavement to sin. Look closely, discern wisely, and trust the Lord to guide your steps.
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