Matthew 16:26 

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Pursuing the world is grasping the wind. All the pursuits of human pleasures and self-centered ambitions are like chasing the wind. There is nothing to show for it at the end of the day. Why would I give my all to chase that which I cannot keep? Why would I give all my effort into pursuing that, which becomes harmful to my eternal destiny?

The welfare of my soul must always be my priority in life. This may sound selfish, but a measure of selfishness is required for survival. I will be selfish and not grasp the wind. While men are selfishly pursuing the material emptiness that evaporates at the Dawn Of Eternity, I must pursue the spiritual wellbeing of my soul, which brings pleasures and blessings that remain forever. What can I give in exchange for my eternal destination? Nothing. Nothing on earth has value enough for me to exchange my eternal wellbeing. I will be selfish enough not to pursue the wind.

“Help me practice this limited spiritual selfishness, Lord. I don’t want to accept the world’s system of vanity that leaves me empty and clutching nothing. Help me focus on what counts for eternity, O God, in Jesus name. Amen.”