It’s hard to break free (Saint Theodoros of Edessa)

Let’s keep a rein on ourselves while we’re working at the Lord’s commandments, so that we’re not bound by the chains of wicked thoughts and soul-destroying pleasures. These are difficult to break and then we’ll be faced with the verdict against the barren fig tree: ‘Cut it down, root and branch; it’s a waste of space’. If you don’t bear fruit, you’re cut down and cast into the fire.