A. That not even the slightest thought or desire contrary to any one of God's commandments should ever arise in my heart. Rather, with all my heart I should always hate sin and take pleasure in whatever is right.
114. Q. But can those converted to God obey these commandments perfectly?
A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose, they do begin to live according to all, not only some of God's commandments.
115. Q. No one in this life can obey the Ten Commandments perfectly: why then does God want them preached so pointedly?
A. First, so that the longer we live the more we may come to know our sinfulness and the more eagerly look to Christ for forgiveness of sins and righteousness. Second, so that, while praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, we may never stop striving to be renewed more and more after God's image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.
"If you are frequently complaining about your house, your spouse, the quality or quantity of your possessions, or the general state of your life, you are breaking the Tenth Commandment.
"Contentment and covetousness are opposites. Covetousness says, "I need that. I won't be happy without it, It isn't fair; I don't have it. I want that more than anything else." Contentment says, "I have what I need. I am happy in the Lord. He does good to all. I want nothing more than I have." So if you aren't content, you're almost certainly coveting.
"We won't obey them (the Ten Commandments) fully. Not even close. But this doesn't mean our obedience can't get closer. Just because we will never get 100 percent in the classroom of divine obedience doesn't mean we have to settle for complete failure. We ought to begin to live according to these ten commands for holy living. We should strive after the perfect goal, even if we will not reach it on this side of the celestial city.
The Good News We Almost Forgot, Kevin DeYoung, Moody Publishers, 2010, pp. 206, 208-209.
Thinking about you today Persis, praying for all who are in the path of this storm
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