If we make such a big deal about salvation being through faith, it is not logically consistent to then say rewards are via works.
In the Parable of the Talents, God did not accept the worthless servant as born again.
In reality, saints were saved, they are being saved, and they will be saved if they keep on believing.
Yes, every Christian's desire should be that at the end of their lives they will be able to say the same as Paul:
that they persevered to the end of the race.
Yes, we are different members of Christ's body and should not be spiritually competitive or judgmental,
as though we have a superior placement in God's kingdom.