It is true that the world’s charms are close to you, but that does not mean that you should be captivated by them. When a temptation comes, must you necessarily succumb? When you meet an enemy, must you surrender to him just because you have met him? It is the same with you: Let the world display its charms before you; you should see in them only a reason for repulsing it, for fighting and overcoming, not for being captivated by it….
Every time you come across a temptation, overcome it; don’t indulge yourselves and succumb, and soon you will become experienced…how does a warrior acquire skill? By often engaging his enemies.
~St Theophan the Recluse
Prayerful Life 