When desire grows strong, the intellect in sleep imagines things that give sensual pleasure; and when the incensive power grows strong, it imagines things that cause fear. For the impure demons, finding an ally in our negligence, strengthen and excite the passions. But holy angels, by inducing us to perform works of virtue, make them weaker. (Maximos the Confessor)

Illusions of sensual pleasure are distracting. Fear of illusions is distracting. In being distracted from what is real, we can lose our direction, and delay achieving our purpose.

Desire for what is real, excitement over what it beautiful, and a passion for what is true will compel us to perform works of virtue.

Works of virtue reinforce our engagement with reality through healing what is fractured and strengthening our relationships with God and neighbor.