The Ten Commandments as a "Mirror"

I previously posted on the Ten Commandments, and how we can use them as guidance to do God's will.

But it's important to realize the real purpose of God's commandments. The commandments are NOT given to keep us free from sin. That is impossible. As John writes in 1 John 1:8 (ESV),

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Rather, the purpose of the commandments is to make us AWARE of sin. As Paul writes in Romans 3:20 (ESV),

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

That is, the Ten Commandments are like a "mirror" allowing us to see our sinful nature. When we pray, we should recall the Ten Commandments and recognize when we have violated each commandment. We then should confess those sins and ask God for forgiveness.

That might sound like a depressing way to pray, constantly searching our actions for cases of sin. But I actually find it liberating! I find that confessing my inadequacy to God brings me closer to living in his spirit. Give it a try, and see if you feel the same!