In this life there will always be temptations...

"No one in this world is so perfect or holy as not have temptations sometimes.  We can never be entirely free of them."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Thirteen

Always be on guard...

"We will never be free of trials and temptations as long as our earthly life lasts.  For Job has said: "Is not the life of human beings on earth a drudgery?"  (Job 7:1).  Therefore, we should always be on our guard against temptations, always praying that our enemy, the devil "who never sleeps but constantly looks for someone to devour." (1 Pet 5:8), will not catch us off guard."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Thirteen

Our peace is in God...

"Then too they grieve, while they sigh and pray because of the miseries they endure.  They grow weary of this life and long for death in order to be with Christ, their Lord.  It will also be clear to them that there is neither perfect peace or security in this world."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twelve

Rely only on God...

"Therefore, people should rely so entirely on God that they have no need to look for human consolations when adversity comes.  When people of good disposition are afflicted or tempted or distracted by evil thoughts, then they understand the need they have of God and that without Him they can do nothing."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twelve

Breaking our pride...

"It is good for us to run into opposition and to have others think badly of us, even when our intentions are good.  For these things help us to be humble and rid of us pride.  Then we seek God more earnestly, Who alone knows our inmost self, when outwardly we are ignored and discredited by others."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twelve

The empty promises of this life...

"It is good that everything is not always to our liking; for adversity makes people look into their hearts in order to realize that they are exiles and must not put their hopes in any worldly thing."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Twelve

break it off early...

"It is not easy to break bad habits and harder still to give up your own will.  But if you do not overcome the little things, how do you expect to overcome the greater?  Therefore, resist your evil inclinations at the start and break off bad habits, or little by little they will lead you into greater difficulties."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Eleven

On breaking evil habits...

"But now it is considered wonderful if we still hold onto a spark of our first fervor.  It is far easier to break evil habits at the outset, for then acts of virtue are done more easily and with a happy heart."

Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Eleven