Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:28-29(NKJV)
An infinitely perfect God requires an infinitely perfect relationship. But the highest and best that finite, imperfect man can work up in his own wisdom and ability is as filthy rags, its dead works. The motive is wrong and the means ineffective.
But thank God for His love and mercy. He accomplished for us what we couldn’t do. Through Jesus Christ on the Cross God made us right with Him having forgiven us our sins, made us whole, acceptable, pleasing to Him, able to live in a way that glorifies Him.
Now the only response and participation God expects from us is to believe Jesus Christ and what He has already finished. This is what causes us to live and walk in the Work of God.