Sep 17, 2025
Fear Bad Habits More Than Demons
All passions develop in a person as a result of giving in to them. As this surrender happens more and more often, the sinful inclination turns into a habit, and the habit makes the passion a violent ruler over the person.
"Fear bad habits more than demons," said Saint Isaac the Syrian.
When a sinful desire or impulse is at work in you, you must refuse it. The next time, it will work more weakly and will eventually be extinguished entirely. But if you fulfill it, each time it will work with increased power, as it gains more and more control over your will and eventually gives birth to a habit.
-St. Ignatius Brianchaninov, "Words to Those Who Wish to Be Saved"