The grace of God is without a shadow of a doubt the best thing that can happen to anyone, but sadly so many people take it for granted. While others may argue that for licentiousness to be limited, grace should be limited, that is not the case.
James urges us that God gives more grace (James 4:6), which tells us that God wants us to abound in more and more of His grace, but as we grow in the grace of God, we are really just strengthening one of two wings that will make us soar up higher into greater heights.
It's basic and foundational in aerodynamics to understand that both wings must have the same engine power for a plane to fly smoothly and effectively. When one engine is stronger than the other, a plane can spiral out of control and could become the probable cause of an aeronautic mishap. Our lives are not different from planes, and while it doesn't have to be complicated as aerodynamics, we operate on that same principle.
Grace is one engine that propels you to greater heights and to greater calling in God, but if your other engine isn't equally contributing to your altitude, then you're on your way to a big mishap. What kind of engine do you put on the opposite side of the plane? The other engine is the fear of God.
As we abound in grace and experience the mighty power of God, it can be a wonderful experience, but we all know power without a proper conduit can become a disaster as well. We need form, and form that provides wisdom. That's what the fear of God does for us—it gives form to the immense power of God that flows through His grace. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (ESV).
Not all fears are unhealthy. While the Bible tells us of fear that leads us to sin, doubt and mistrust, the fear of the Lord is completely different. The fear of the Lord causes us not to necessarily fear only His wrath and punishment—thus changing our view of God into a divine megalomaniac out to subdue us—but to fear hurting and maligning this loving and gracious Heavenly Father who has blessed us immensely.
Grace is one engine that powers you, and the the fear of the Lord is another. You need both to soar up to greater heights. As God calls you deeper and deeper into your relationship with Him and deeper and deeper into the purpose He has for you, you need more and more of both the grace of God and the fear of the Lord.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
