Abstaining from Sins

Sidi wa sanadi Hazrat Moulana Mufti Taqi Usmani sahib db has repeatedly told us that;
“Abstaining from all sins is of paramount importance for those in sulook. If you perform extra (nafil) worship but you do not abstain from sins it is useless.
Giving up and trying ones best to avoid all sins is essential.
How can one cool the room when all the doors and windows are wide open? Even the most powerful airconditioner will fail to do so.”