LP,
1. Please fix your signature. You can learn how to remedy the problem by clicking on the "Signature Rules" link in my signature.
2. There are several proper uses and several improper uses of the Law. One improper use is thinking one can merit righteousness by obedience to Law, or using it as a means to do so. Of course you can't keep the Law perfectly, and that is precisely why the Lord Jesus Christ had to do that on behalf of His people.
3. For a good understanding of the Law, its purpose, uses, etc. I'd refer you to this thread where several sermons are listed concerning the aforementioned subjects. I think it will prove
very helpful in your endeavors to understand a proper, healthy, and biblical balance.
What is the Relationship of the Christian to God's Law?
4. Concerning why "there's never anything preached about this nowadays," well that's because the world, and more specifically and sadly, the Church at large has brought the proper preaching of the Law down and has committed the error of pitting Law against Grace, as if that's the purpose. The Law is not bad. Men are bad. The Law is good, but can be and is abused by sinful men. Either men call the Law wicked and cast it out altogether, or they call the keeping thereof meritorious. Both are grave errors, and both prevail amongst professing Christians today.
Godspeed, Brother