“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, KJV

“Hindsight is 20/20” as they say.

Signs existed early in my first marriage indicating a mismatch of values and “gods.” One of those signs was the whole awkward proposal.

I will never forget my first wife’s reaction to my proposal:

First, she was in disbelief that I would ask almost pushing me to second guess asking for her hand in marriage. Are you sure? 

Then I noticed her focus on my proposal was the ring I had bought her. That was the focus, not me. This response was prophetically telling.

In the very moment where the person proposing ought to be the prize, the focus was on what she was getting out of the “deal.” What’s in it for me? Oooh, shiny ring!

Of course, this is not a good foundation for a lifelong relationship. The focus is in the wrong place. Material things and money will ebb and flow. It is a sandy foundation to make money or wealth one’s marriage foundation.

Jesus understood this when he warned us about trying to serve two masters–namely, God and money. You cannot.

Beware of the person who is focus on objects of wealth as opposed to you as a person. You deserve to be the prize!