During the 18th century, the Caribbean Sea became a hijacking haven for pirates and swashbuckling buccaneers. Blackbeard, Calico Jack and Henry Morgan to name a few (I don’t think Captain Jack Sparrow is counted among real pirates). It appeared as if they were taking turns intercepting ships on their journey between America and Europe, helping themselves to the valuables they found on the ships. They would do one of two things with the treasures they took. Usually they would spend their ill-gotten gain immediately. If you are willing to steal, you are not usually willing to deny yourself immediate gratification. However, sometimes they were forced to hide the treasure. They would conceal hordes of silver and gold in old buildings, secluded caves or bury them underground. And sometimes their ships went to the bottom of the sea loaded with treasure worth millions of dollars. Treasure hunters today are driven by a desire to find these sunken ships.
The life of a pirate was not an easy life. They would spend long periods of time at sea, where they would often develop deadly diseases. Often the life of a pirate was neither easy nor long. For many of these pirates their loot out lived their lives. If only they heeded the words of Christ as found in Matthew 6, they would have discovered the true meaning of “treasure.”
Most of us are not going to take on the life of a pirate. However, we too need to learn the meaning of true value and where it can be found.
During this time of crisis, we have ample opportunities to invest in a true treasure. A treasure that will not corrode, that cannot be corrupted, and that thieves cannot steal. So as we make our way through this crisis, why not invest your resources into a heavenly treasure that are everlasting.
Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” NIV
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