Hakim al Umma Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Allah have mercy on him) said,

‘Always remember this.

Do not provide an opportunity or the means to the lower self (nafs) to misbehave.

This is extremely important information that is being provided.
Nafs is the devil that destroyed the asceticism (zuhd), God-conscientiousness (taqwa) and sanctity of highly pious individuals in few moments.

Never consider it to be dead.

Sometimes due to unavailability of means (to disobey) it acts subdued. However, it is waiting for the opportunity and means (lurching to strike). ‘

Al Ifadet al Yoomia, volume 4, page 23