Be free, though your are bound in a body, and for Christ’s sake, show forth obedience in your freedom. But also be prudent in your simplicity, lest you be plundered. Love humility in all your activities that you be delivered from the imperceptible snares that are always found outside the pathways of humble men. Do not reject afflictions, for through them you will enter in the knowledge of the truth, and do not fear temptations, because therein you find precious things.

The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian

Homily Three