Is Obedience considered "Works"?

Is Obedience considered "Works"? Sure it is. But does "Works" negate the work of Jesus on the Cross? Consider this :

James 2:21-24 NKJV

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY.

Which sub standard preacher made the word "Works" a dirty word??? Abraham obeyed, and his faith is justified by his works. Does it take effort to obey? Sure it does! Same thing as how you need effort to study for exams, and work hard to please our boss to get a promotion!! It is because a true believer WILL have the propensity / desire to keep his commandments even if he makes mistakes.

Consider this :

I John 2:1-11 NKJV

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.

BY THIS WE KNOW THAT WE ARE IN HIM. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to WALK JUST AS HE WALKED. Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

So stop being adverse to "Works" as if it's Vulgarity!! Start to have a REAL relationship with God by desiring his ways and not your own personal agendas (FAKE relationship). Not I say one, bible say one.