jjjesther: The rest of that verse is important, too (2Tim 4:7-8) - " Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day - but not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing."
It does take hard work to reach that goal. But, even with hard work, we couldn't reach it in our own strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit for that.
