Correct...there is a very keen sense we want to please Him that was not there before, when you simply wanted to do the right thing. Now your heart and mind is in it in a whole new way. You also realize the full spectrum of what you were forgiven for...saved from...and the great price He paid for that as you begin reading more and more of the scriptures...and you see things in scripture you never understood before... It really is wonderful beyond measure!
I think people do think they are doing “the right thing”...but it is not the same at all when He’s living His life thru you.
There’s a world of difference between WANTING to do the right thing that is the natural result of our salvation, and HAVING to do the right thing, in order to gain salvation.
Both produce works. The difference is in the motivation and the heart. One is out of love and gratitude and a desire to show others the love of God so that they too may come to Him. That leads to a life of joy in serving others.
The other is out of fear as a matter of fire insurance, all in an effort to appease an angry, capricious God who isn’t so willing to forgive. All that leads to is a life of fear and judgment in constantly comparing yourself to others to see if you’re doing OK enough to get in.