This rhetoric of "prize your salvation above all else" sounds outrageously selfish and individualistic. First, the term "salvation" begs for some clarification, since so many erroneously see this as merely escaping from this world and floating off to heaven. But that aside, are we to prize this salvation above our neighbor? One might say that such a suggestion doesn't make sense, since a Christian who has been "saved"—again, not quite sure what we mean here—would never disregard love of neighbor. But even if this is theologically true, rhetoric like this sounds selfish and could inadvertently lead to selfishness. "I've got my ticket to heaven, so to heck with the rest of the world." Anathema.

But I've written too much already. It will suffice simply to appeal to Paul (Romans 9:1-3).

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.

May the Lord grow such a spirit in us.