Hebrews 10:31

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Just how fearful am I of God? Enough to change my ways, enough to repent of my sins to the point where I go to every extreme measure possible to ensure I avoid disappointing Him at all costs? Just how radical am I willing to get? Just how much am I willing to lay down for my Master "knowing that" I "have a better and enduring possession for" myself "in heaven"? (Hebrews 10:34b) The answer is quite obvious; not enough. Enough to be saved? It's irrelevant, for salvation is not by works, but by grace. (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10) But in my salvation am I grateful enough, humble enough and meek enough to know and remember that I stand ever before a holy God with power to consume and to be ban from forever? Again, not enough, and certainly not often enough.

Motivation from fear is stressful. Motivation from love is liberating. "Perfect love casts out fear." (I John 4:18b) So I need not be fearful of God in salvation for I have received perfect love, but knowing now what I know I am terrified of God without salvation for I would be condemned by perfect sin. My God is a consuming fire. (cf. Hebrews 12:29) Moses was "... Full of fear and trembling", at the possible sight of God. (Hebrews 12:21) Not even a beast could touch the holy mountain lest it be stoned. (cf. Hebrews 12:20)

So where's the balance between love and fear? There is no balance. As in many tugs and pulls between what seem like polar opposites, the two can peaceably cohabitate together, and furthermore they belong together. To be scared is but one kind of fear. But to be respectful and reverent is but another kind of fear. I respect and honor Victoria, but I am not afraid of her lest I dishonor her and thereby put myself at risk of losing her. Now there's something to be fearful of. No, I can love and fear my God both at the same time. And thus I shall attempt to do today. My mind is often directed toward tender love, but my hope is that it will be appropriately mingled with reverent fear. My view of God today shall be lofty.