Yes they are. Joy is in giving. Love only gives. Love doesn't ask. When the old owman gave her last two coins in the synagogue, her gift was more than all the money rich Pharisees could muster. And God gives in abudance, and we give Him crumbs. But godo works are ultimately our imitation of Christ. We are like aprentices who learn after the Master, by imitating Him. Being a Chirstian is not just faith; it's everything we do—in faith, walking in Christ's footsteps. It's all works-based.
Mother Theresa's faith may have been full of doubt; but she did more good than all of us put together.
But yes. The call is so breathtakingly challenging that most of the time I just quail. But nothing else gives any happiness.
I am not holy enough to say more.