Choose Those Who Hate Coveteousness

   Exodus 18:21  “you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; ”  Covetousness could be defined as – being eager to acquire and possess things, especially material possessions or ideas.  In the Ten Commandments we are exhorted not to covet our neighbor’s house; or his wife, servants, nor his female servant, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” (Exodus 20:17 NKJV)
   Okay, we are not to be covetous, but what should we be?  Covetous people try to get things for themselves, so the opposite of covetous could be that of trying to help others, to serve, and to minister when there is no purpose or potential for gain.   Doing all for God’s sake, and love to man; labouring to promote the general good; never perverting judgment. The question should never be, “What do I get out of this” or “What is in this for me?” but rather that of serving others with no thought of trying to get something in return.
   People are always saying things like,  “I’ve worked for years and never once did I get …” or “No one ever gave me ….”  There are subtle desires for more possessions, money, power or authority, honour, recognition, approval or appreciation from others, which quickly creep into our  motives.  These ulterior motives affect how we minister.  They affect the drive behind what is done.  They show how much is about ourself, how much we actually care for others,  and how much is driven by the true work of God in our heart.