Are good works a performance?  They can be.  It depends on why they are done.  If to earn salvation, yes;  to be well thought of by men, yes; to get a reward, yes. 

We are told we will be rewarded for our good works that stand judgment.  Some good works will stand the test of fire like gold.  Others will burn like wood, hay and stubble and will be reduced to ashes.*   The difference will be motive, why the work was done?  If doing good works is an act of worship, love, appreciation, or obedience they will stand the test.

There are two laws, according to the Bible, on which all of the law and prophets stand:  Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength;  Love your neighbor as yourself.  This love is to be the basis of all good works.

Jesus said if we do our works to be seen of men and we are praised by men, that is our reward.**

*For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.  1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (New International Version)

**"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  Matthew 6:5 (New International Version)