Interesting post. You bring up concepts of works in my own mind that I believe ARE central to loving the Lord as a practice.
It's not works salvation, and I don't think it's works righteousness (at least not what everyone seems to be so split on).
Is it a fair understanding or model of thought that we are given the "template" of his righteousness and each person operates differently in that template and will be held to account/rewarded based off their own actions? I'll admit this concept has only been lightly painted in my own mind and I think it's missing something.
For some reason I am feeling like the concept of fealty is relevant at this time. Sometimes it's about loyalty, sometimes submission, sometimes praise, sometimes rest. It's hard to explain...