Buried Treasure
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew 6:19-21
I know it’s weird, but I have always been somewhat fascinated with pirates. The “Golden Age of Piracy” lasted from about 1700 to 1725. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about pirates:
Pirates had rules and regulations. These rules included punishments for lying, stealing or fighting on board. Most pirate crews had a code which all members were required to acknowledge or sign. Pirates took these articles very seriously and punishments could be severe.
A good pirate ship had good officers. A good ship was a well-run machine, with officers and a clear division of labor.
Piracy was often better than the alternative. Sailors were underpaid, routinely cheated of their wages, beaten at the slightest provocation and often forced to serve. It should surprise no one that many would willingly choose the more humane and democratic life on board a pirate vessel.
There were women pirates.
One thing pirates rarely did, contrary to legend, was bury their treasure. Most of the loot was quickly divided up among the crew who would rather spend it than bury it. Not only that, much of the “treasure” consisted of perishable goods that would quickly become ruined if buried.
In his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus instructs us not to store up treasures here on earth. Earthly treasure can be perishable and subject to pirates-thieves who break in and steal. But rather, our treasure should be “buried” in heaven.
Our treasure is what we value most. What we value most is what we desire most. Jesus says, “Make sure that your treasure is in the right place.” If what you desire most is rooted in values that align with kingdom principles, your treasure will always be safe from decay and destruction.