THEOSISAthanasius the Great
Virtue requires only our willing engagement, as it resides within us and is shaped by us. It takes root in the soul, where reason operates in accordance with its inherent nature. The soul fulfills this purpose by remaining true to its original creation. It was designed to be good and entirely just. Hence, Joshua instructed the people to, "Fix your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel” (Nav. 24:23); likewise, John proclaimed, “Make your paths straight” (Matt. 3:3). A soul is considered upright when its rational faculties align harmoniously with its intended nature. Conversely, when the soul strays and becomes misaligned with this nature, it is deemed a vice. Thus, the matter is not complicated. If we maintain our beings as we were intended, we will embody virtue.
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However, entertaining malevolent thoughts leads us to be judged as vicious. If virtue were something to be gained from external sources, it would indeed pose a challenge. Yet, since it is innate, we must safeguard against unclean thoughts and present our souls to the Lord as a treasured gift entrusted to us, so that He may recognize His creation as the soul fulfills its intended purpose.